JUST for a change, we’ll put this bit first instead of tagging it on at the end: here’s hoping that Everton can produce the same levels of energy and commitment against Birmingham City on Boxing Day as they did in their epic win at Eastlands on Monday.

While no-one wants to pay Manchester City the compliment of being as pleased at beating them as you would be if we won at, say, Old Trafford, the manner in which Everton turned them over – yet again – made the match the highlight of the season so far.

That’s right, probably even better than the derby, thanks to the exquisite agony we all lived through while the team defended that one-goal lead with ten men.

Away at any Premier League ground that sort of result would have been fulfilling, but our recent history with Manchester City, and all that they have come to represent, gave the evening that extra fission.

City's unlimited wealth is almost like a black hole at the centre of English football – so utterly massive that it warps and distorts the very fabric of everything around it.

Everton’s performance though, built around togetherness and honest graft, stopped Roberto Mancini's side from going top of the league and showed that there is still some measure of resistance to their financial brute force.