Cahill is now a fully paid up member of the strikers’ union and is likely to stay there for the rest of the season with manager David Moyes failing in two attempts at loan signings.

Full-back Leighton Baines, who produced the cross for another Cahill headed goal said: “He is a menace, he’s difficult to play against you and he’s a rash all over you.

“Tim’s a real nightmare. I have watched him of late and I would not want to be playing against him. He pops up with important goals and is a genius in the box.

“He’s always in the right position and doesn’t give defenders a minute’s peace. He’s as physical with defenders as they are with him, you just want him to go away.”

Moyes said: “Tim is scoring like a striker, taking the knocks and working for the team.

“His goal was excellent. It was a great header, a fine cross and he is doing really well for us. But it’s not just him. Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka were out of this world at the back. The standards they have set are so high, and it has to be.

“The standard of players we are facing just now it is tough. They did well twice against Fernando Torres, and this time faced two very good front men in van Persie and (Emmanuel) Adebayor.

“One lapse at the end cost us. Now we have Manchester United next and then Liverpool again, so it won’t get any easier for them.”