THE praise was so gushing it’s a wonder the pages of the programme didn’t go soggy – both David Moyes and Phil Neville queuing up to pay tribute to Leon Osman for the way he has responded to being made captain.

But it was a perfectly timed observation yesterday. Because while it’s the wearing of hearts, rather than armbands, on sleeves that usually makes the current Everton squad tick, it was Osman who certainly led by example with a wonderful equalising goal.

Sadly, it was an example few were able to follow.

Everton, despite conceding their first goal on English soil in the three weeks that have passed following defeat to Fulham, remain unbeaten since then.

But after being on top for the majority of this game, Osman’s quickfire response to Robert Huth’s towering header early in the second half was all they could manage on a deeply frustrating afternoon.

Too many final balls went astray and as such, what chances were created were too sporadic to really pressurise the visitors. Moyes declared that his side played some of their best stuff of the season – but for it to not be enough against Stoke proves how difficult they make life.

The Everton manager had bizarrely likened them to Barcelona in the build-up to this game but, in some ways, he has a point. If you’re not on your game against them, they’ll make your life hell.

However, unlike the Catalan giants, they do their damage by getting men behind the ball rather than on it. Still, it can quite often be just as effective a tactic.

It’s why Everton had to rely on so many efforts from outside the penalty area and in that instance it’s often a moment of individual brilliance that’s required – good job then that Osman provided it.

Responding well in times of adversity is second nature to the current Goodison squad and after Huth headed in, they were behind for only four minutes thanks to Osman’s sweet left-footed curler from the edge of the box.

It had to be precise to beat the considerable reach of Thomas Sorensen and the fact that it went in off the underside of the crossbar only added to its artistry.

But Everton still had 35 minutes left to find another goal to make it six wins in succession and secure two extra points to take them level on points with Burnley.

That last stat perhaps sums up the struggle to build up momentum in the Premier League when Europa League group games, particularly those in Belarus, punctuate the schedule so relentlessly. But then there’s no point celebrating being in Europe if you’re going to complain that you have to travel.

The failure to sustain pressure on Stoke in those latter stages, even with Yakubu and Jo joining Louis Saha in attack at this stage, perhaps proved that, despite the adaptability and endeavour of the squad, there are days that scream out for the creativity of Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar.

However, yesterday also demanded plenty of hard work and physical attrition – because that’s just what Stoke City do.

More than just a long-throw freak show, they have the aura of seasoned Premier League campaigners and the naivety that traditionally gnaws at promoted sides was shaken off a long time ago.

Their ruthless mindset certainly belongs in the top flight, even if the quality of their football doesn’t. If that means Tony Pulis playing an extra back four on top of the one he’s already got, then so be it.

There were some early flashes of the inventiveness needed to break down such stubborn resistance, mainly from the left side, but clear chances to break the deadlock were few.

A decent one arrived at the head of Tim Cahill in the 17th minute from the boot of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov but his downward header was weak and Thomas Sorensen barley had to move to gather.

No need for Cahill to get out his celebratory paddle – but it wasn’t long before Stoke appeared to be heading up a certain creek without one.