Nigel Martyn: Everton FC have to change gear

David Moyes, though, will be looking at the run of fixtures we have between now and November 29 as providing the perfect opportunity to establish form and rhythm before we welcome our neighbours once more.

He will also be aware, however, that this month will ultimately dictate how the remainder of the campaign pans out - will we hover around mid-table or can we get into a groove and push those sides contesting the European places?

At this moment in time, they look miles ahead of us and there is no disputing we are struggling to show any kind of consistency - too many points have been squandered at home against sides that we usual beat.

Normally you would expect us to see off teams like Stoke and Wolves without much fuss, while you might also back an in-form Everton to see of Aston Villa but those three draws at home have been really damaging.

Hindsight might prove a draw with Villa wasn't such a bad result but it was disappointing that we conceded a goal to John Carew so soon after half-time, having done well to get in front initially. We should really have pressed home our advantage.

Of course, it is really hard being without key player such as Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar and it's a big ask for others to step in to fill such creative shoes.

However, one thing you can set your clock by is Everton's determination, even when things aren't going to plan, and it will be a case of digging in to stop the slide when we travel to Upton Park on Sunday.

West Ham have endured a troubled start to the season yet two draws against Arsenal and Sunderland has hinted that they might be about to turn the tide; Gianfranco Zola will fancy his chances of masterminding a win against Everton.

Yet David will be thinking exactly the same and who knows? A win at Upton Park might just turn out to be the key to derby success.

Blues will feel the benefit when star duo Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka return

PHIL NEVILLE and Phil Jagielka played a massive part in Everton's success last season and hopefully it won't be long before they are playing again.

The news coming out of Finch Farm is positive on both men and I heard Jags say last week that he hopes to resume contact training shortly.

He, of course, was the star man last season and while the defence hasn't been creaking beyond repair while he has been out, David Moyes will be much happier when the England man is back available for selection.

Similar sentiments apply to Neville. Though the manager has experimented by naming different captains, my old team-mates's leadership skills have been missed.

I'm glad Phil won over the section of supporters who perhaps were not his greatest fans last season, as he has never given anything other than his very best wherever he has played.

Everton have missed his steadying influence; hopefully normal service will resume soon.

John Heitinga's form is Goodison Park's hottest topic

JOHN HEITINGA has sparked a good deal of debate since he joined the Blues on transfer deadline day.

Versatile and talented, David Moyes bought him to put pressure on a number of positions in his team but I know the men who occupy the roles he can play and they won't give up their spots without a fight.

He has played mainly as a defender, even though he has designs on operating as a midfielder, and has shown some good points - and some not so good points.

But I thought he was a little bit better against Aston Villa and it was noticeable that the manager chose to say he had improved.

Always committed to the cause, Heitinga is a player who certainly does not lack confidence but there is no chance of him being allowed to become the big 'I am' in a dressing room that has been devoid of egos for many years.

In all likelihood, he will probably end up being a right-back but I have noticed that Tony Hibbert's form has picked up since he has been here.

When the manager has all his players fit, he will have some tough decisions to make - and it remains to be seen whether Heitinga slots into the best XI.