At least Alan Wiley didn't cost Everton the game

Whether they're carbon copies or two-bob versions will be seen over time, but the similarities between Fellaini and Vieira, and Castillo and Makelele are unavoidable in their style.

Acknowledging neither speaks English and probably had to look at the back of their team-mates' shirts to know their names, they both fared well here and showed signs of what is to come hopefully.

What is certain is that they won't have played against anything like Stoke before.

Mind you, since Wimbledon in their Crazy Gang days, the top flight hasn't seen anything like Stoke.

Fair play to them for doing the best with what they've got, but they're going to ruffle some feathers this season with their rugby union style tactics of pinning it to the corner to get a throw in. I can just imagine Ferguson, Benitez et al after they play Stoke.

But the biggest thing from this game was undoubtedly the return of Cahill. While he does have his limitations as shown by him being largely anonymous in this game, he's one of the top four midfielders in country for scoring. The stats say it all... when Cahill plays, Everton win most of their games.

With Cahill fit and our new signings showing promise, our chance of having a decent season are a lot better than it seemed a fortnight ago.

The chances of Wiley reciprocating respect and apologising seem far less likely.