IT WILL take more than a pen and paper to prescribe Everton a cure for their recent ills. The latest chapter of David Moyes’s Goodison reign began in depressingly familiar fashion as the season struggles to splutter into life for his team.

The sight of celebrated film director Spike Lee exchanging pleasantries with Arsenal’s eight- foot tall green mascot Gunnersaurous deep in the bowels of the Emirates may have brought a surreal conclusion to the afternoon.

But otherwise Saturday was a case of new era, same old problems for Everton.

Speculation surrounding the future of Moyes was finally banished during the week when the manager reaffirmed his commitment to the club for the next five years.

Even the Scot himself had conceded that uncertainty could have been seeping into the performances of his team during a disappointing start to the campaign.

Yet the instant fillip that Moyes’s new contract appeared to provide during the first 45 minutes at the Emirates was ultimately undermined by the recurring failings that have hampered Everton this season.

In the immediate aftermath of a sixth defeat in 11 games, and a 20th in Everton’s last 24 visits to Arsenal, Moyes retained an unshakeable belief that his players can overcome their indifferent form and claw their way back up the Premier League table.

But while there were signs of improvement, particularly during an encouraging first half, the questions and doubts still hang heavy over the Goodison outfit.

Borrowing from Mr Lee’s repertoire, Everton tried hard to Do The Right Thing and their gameplan was working to perfection as an out-of-sorts Arsenal were deservedly sent in behind at the break.