Sunderland 1-1 Everton: Granit Xhaka cancels out Iliman Ndiaye's stunning solo effort - as Black Cats stay in top four after second half fightback

The fact your first instinct was to think back to the greats, those who made it look the ball was on a string, spoke volumes.

Was it over the top to use Chris Waddle or Roberto Baggio as a reference point for Iliman Ndiaye? Could it be suggested his close control evoked images of Ryan Giggs or – whisper it very quietly – a couple of Argentine lads (you know their names) who used to play in Barcelona?

Plenty will scoff but, occasionally, you go to a football match and see a skilful player do something quite magnificent, the kind of moment that makes fans leap from their seats and ask those next to them: 'My God, did you see that?!'

Ndiaye was 50 yards from Sunderland's area, on the right touchline, when Everton's rookie centre forward picked the pocket of Noah Sadiki. He nudged the ball to his Senegalese colleague and, from there, it felt like he was being guided by joystick.

Around Granit Xhaka he went, his balance as perfect as trapeze artist. Lutsharel Geertruida and Dan Ballard tried to intervene but Ndiaye sent them spinning like tops as he homed in on the 18-yard box; without thinking, he opened up his body and bent his effort around Robin Roefs.

Glorious. Really, it should have been the launchpad for an Everton win and allowed David Moyes to enjoy his first return to Wearside since his sacking in 2017, after Sunderland had been relegated, but he was rocked back by the tenacity and endeavour of his old club.

Sunderland remain in the top four at the early stage of this campaign and that was down to a tremendous second half fightback, that secured a point and showed why the heart and fight Regis Le Bris has instilled into them is unshakeable.

Le Bris had scuttled down the tunnel at half-time with such purpose that the only possible conclusion you could draw was that he would be the only speaking – loudly, it is safe to assume – when everyone reconvened in the dressing room.

And why not? During this captivating start to the campaign, Le Bris has dutifully attempted to get a realistic message across and stress that the only way Sunderland will prosper in football's jungle is with hard work and discipline. Neither trait was obvious in that opening period.

But then Sunderland reappeared, sprinting out of the tunnel, the music booming out through the stadium's speakers – 'I'm back, I'm ready to go!' – was wholly fitting; 41 seconds later, they had their equaliser and Xhaka, again, showed everyone why he has been such a critical signing.

Yes, there was some fortune. His left foot shot wouldn't have bothered Jordan Pickford unduly but then James Tarkowski stuck out his boot, the deflection was huge and nothing could be done to halt the new direction. Pickford's anguish and frustration was clear to all.

It was the same for Moyes. He had done a passable impression of a man who had seen his car being clamped in the 28th minute, when Barry arrived at the back post but somehow contrived to loop his shot over the bar from four yards when he was unmarked.

Had Everton gone two goals in front – Jack Grealish struck a post while they were on top – they would have taken some stopping but the issue that is currently holding them back is their inability to put teams away. Moyes has some good, honest players to go with his dribblers but he just needs a little more 'X' factor.

For once Sunderland were level, there was only one team who looked capable of winning. It wasn't quite an onslaught, more consistent pressure and a smart tactical set up that wouldn't allow Everton to break away as they had been doing before the interval.

Xhaka was at the heart of it all, scampering and scuffling, a foot in here, a sliding challenge there. He was ably supported by Sadiki, who was much more proficient after some nonsensical play in the first period – his wild lunge at Jake O'Brien was preposterous and could have done serious damage.

Back on an even keel, he helped Sunderland hem Everton into their own half, the pressure building like water running into a chamber. Would the dam eventually burst? It should have done in the 80th minute when Xhaka hoisted a cross into the area but Nordi Mukiele headed horribly wide.

So it wasn't to be. A point will do. It could have been better. It could, however, be a lot worse.