October

The month begins with a disappointing 0-1 reversal at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur as a header from Noe Pamarot early in the second half was enough to end the Blues seven game unbeaten run.

However, the most controversial moment comes not with the goal, but with a challenge on Tim Cahill by Jamie Redknapp. The Everton man is carried off, but the Spurs man is later charged with violent conduct and handed a three-match ban.

Everton's reserves defeat Liverpool at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. Australian defender Eddy Bosnar smashes home a 25-yard free kick to hand Andy Holden's men their first win of the season in some style.

David Moyes is named the Manager of the Month for September. He says: "It's important because it means that the team's been doing well. It's been terrific and hopefully we'll get many more to come."

Leon Osman keeps the good times rolling by scoring with a minute to go as Everton defeat Southampton 1-0 at Goodison Park and, a week later, goals from Kevin Kilbane, Marcus Bent and Duncan Ferguson help the Blues to a 3-2 win at Norwich.

The result puts Everton second for a short time. Moyes and his men are ecstatic and the manager reveals that his players are singing 'We're going to win the league" in the bath after the game!

Moyes welcomes back his old club Preston North End for a Carling Cup tie and ends up on the winning side, courtesy of goals from Lee Carsley and Marcus Bent. However, Carsley is sent off for an ugly skirmish with Eric Skora and misses the next three games. The Blues draw Arsenal in the next round.

Aston Villa come to Goodison and hold the Blues to a frustrating draw. Lee Hendrie puts the visitors' ahead, but Bent equalises soon afterwards. Despite a surge of Blue pressure in the second half, the visitors' leave with a point.