With such a tepid afternoon in front of goal for both sides, it was always likely one of the more defensive minded players would come to the fore.

Howard obviously tops that list, but a word must be given to Jack Rodwell who marshalled and roamed with class all afternoon in the middle of the pitch in a display that seemed to improve as the game, as a spectacle, deteriorated.

The 18-year-old even took it upon himself to try and help out his forwards, but on two occasions his well hit shots breezed over the bar.

One of the players Rodwell was asked to keep an eye on, Luka Modric, was the first half’s outstanding player with a classy showing of ball control and close quarter passing in the wet conditions.

Through Modric’s creativity, Spurs enjoyed progress down both Everton flanks but could only create half chances for Robbie Keane and Defoe, Gareth Bale’s free-kick which just missed the goal, was the fruit of their early labour.

The lack of quality on the pitch forced both sets of supporters to make their own amusement and though Gomes tried to lighten the mood with a nervy shuffle past Everton striker Jo on his own six-yard line, it was not quite enough to really entertain.

Thus the Spurs fans decided to take a tongue in cheek pop at Everton captain Phil Neville, comparing him less favourably to his brother Gary in a chant that amused many, including the man himself who took it all in good jest.

But, as Tottenham’s fans suggested Phil was not the best of the two Neville’s, you imagine every single one of the them would give their right arm for their captain to be leading the side out at Wembley on May 30 and with someone of Howard’s calibre in goal.

The point confirmed Everton’s top six finish this season.