The game restarted after the break with Aston Villa refreshed, Young finally deciding to attack Hibbert, on a booking for an earlier foul on the winger, which brought about two claims for a penalty, both turned down.

Just as the home fight back looked to be growing stronger by the minute, Everton struck again and once more the goal stemmed from the left wing and Pienaar.

The South African cut across the edge of the box before firing past a stranded Friedel – a strike that surely that had the contest sewn up bar the shouting.

But the home side discovered new purpose when James Milner, a by-stander for much of the game up to that point, whipped a free-kick around the Everton wall and past Howard.

The momentum swung back in Villa’s favour as the Holte End roared their side on. And the Villa fans bellowed even louder ten minutes later when Barry converted the spot-kick after Lescott was ruled to have fouled Stiliyan Petrov.

A winner was clearly at the forefront of their minds now and Young and substitute Nathan Delfouneso went close as the heat was turned up on Everton.

Moyes by this stage was back and forth from the Blues bench, as concerned for his side as he was incensed with referee Webb.

His mood was worsened further when Davies looked to have pushed Jo over in the box as the Brazilian latched onto Pienaar’s cross but Webb waved away once again.

O’Neill by this point was more animated than ever as he urged his team forward to try and secure their first win in 10 matches but the breakthrough would not arrive.

By the end of the match, the respective managers will have no doubt have been exhausted after a draining afternoon for both clubs that ultimately benefited only Arsenal.