Two of the Premiership's early season surprise packages went head to head in an intriguing battle at Goodison Park.
A rejuvenated Tottenham Hotspur took on high-flying Everton in a top of the table clash few would have picked at the start of the season.
Both teams looked uneasy with the pressure of expectation in the opening quarter of an hour, but after a leaping Tim Cahill header struck a Spurs post, the Blues were buoyed into life.
The Australian epitomized an Everton attitude that has won them few fan,s but a record points haul. He was everywhere - protecting a well-marshalled back four one minute and popping up in the Spurs box with no less than five first-half chances the next.
Everton's midfield pressed a harried Spurs side into giving the ball away far too often in a frustrating first period for the visitors.
Capitalising on their failure to keep possession, the Toffeemen began to carve out some excellent first-half chances.
Cahill should have scored on 16 minutes, but headed Leon Osman's cross against an advancing Paul Robinson before Marcus Bent volleyed the rebound over.
Five minutes later Cahill headed another chance wide and on 25 minutes Kevin Kilbane was unlucky not to open the scoring when his left-footed half-volley slid inches wide of the far post.
Everton's bulldog spirit seemed too much for a shaky Tottenham defence, but just before half-time England striker Jermain Defoe was unlucky not to win a penalty when he twisted and turned in the box before being brought down by a lunging Alan Stubbs.
A goalless scoreline at half-time was harsh on Everton but their inability to convert chances against such lacklustre opposition could well be their undoing come the end of the season.
In a dire second half, Spurs French newcomer Noe Pamarot provided the only highlight.
The young full-back found himself completely unmarked after a Robbie Keane short corner was whipped in by Simon Davies. The goal on 52 minutes was against the run of play and was to be Spurs' only significant chance of the game.
Osman almost hit an instant reply striking a left- footed drive off the inside of the post.
A spate of nasty challenges marred the rest of the game. Jamie Redknapp was lucky to stay on the pitch when he chopped Cahill just below the knee on the hour mark.
The Toffees' Australian summer signing was instantly substituted and later left the ground on crutches.
Defoe saw yellow for a two-footed lunge at David Weir on 64 minutes, but try as they might, neither team could muster a telling chance.
James McFadden looked to have blazed an unlikely trail through the Spurs defence but was halted by Robinson's agility on the line.
Duncan Ferguson was thrown on to try and batter the Blues back into contention, but on a day of missed opportunities it was not to be.
Keane curled a half chance over from 12 yards with minutes remaining and as Everton pressed their last move of note typified their day.
Good work down the right from Thomas Gravesen found Tony Hibbert in an excellent crossing position, but the young full-back slipped as the ball trickled away out of sight.
Everton will have to learn to win games like this to prevent their table-topping challenge doing the same.
Man of the Match: Paul Robinson - England's number one showed why he has replaced David James as the country's best keeper with a string of fine saves to deny a rampant first-half Everton. His composure under pressure helped steady an out of sorts backline.