Middlesbrough came with a game plan which was given an immense boost when Everton’s entire back four went awol in the seventh minute for Gary O’Neil to score.

This meant not only did Gareth Southgate’s men have a point to hang on to, they now had three points to hang on to.

Their original intention looked as though it had been to try and go home with a 0-0 draw, but now they looked like going home with a 1-0 win.

You have to give them credit as they did make life difficult for Everton, who didn’t quite do enough to merit the three points but rescued a draw thanks to Ayegbeni Yakubu’s equaliser.

Some would say there was an element of, not luck, but “getting away with it” in the previous three victories – over Bolton, Fulham and West Ham – which Everton weren’t blessed with on Sunday, although the dominance they had in the game on Sunday was greater than that in any of the three victories.

Nevertheless, Sunday’s game did give Everton a point against a team who have shown over the years they can be troublesome. They have taken points off good teams and it’s another game unbeaten for Moyes’ men.

Now it’s a trip to Wigan on Monday for Everton, and if they can beat the Latics that will represent a terrific haul of points from five games.