The immediate association with legendary players, those who seemed to control the ball with an almost magical touch, speaks volumes about the impression left.

Is it too much to liken Iliman Ndiaye to icons like Chris Waddle or Roberto Baggio? Perhaps his deft handling of the ball brings to mind Ryan Giggs or, dare we whisper, a couple of Argentine maestros who once graced Barcelona’s field?

Many might laugh at the comparison, but every so often, you witness a football match where a player’s brilliance leaves spectators in awe, prompting exclamations like, “Wow, did you just see that?!”, as they jump from their seats.

He glided around Granit Xhaka with the poise of a tightrope walker. Lutsharel Geertruida and Dan Ballard attempted to halt him, yet Ndiaye maneuvered them effortlessly, advancing towards the penalty area. Instinctively, he curved the ball around Robin Roefs with a precision finish.

It was a moment of pure brilliance. Ideally, this should have set the stage for an Everton triumph and allowed David Moyes to savor his first visit back to Wearside since his dismissal in 2017, following Sunderland’s relegation. However, the determination and spirit of his former club took him by surprise.

Iliman Ndiaye’s stunning goal lit up Everton’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Monday evening

Granit Xhaka’s deflected effort levelled things just 41 seconds into the second half 

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.

Sunderland showed why the heart and fight Regis Le Bris has instilled into them is unshakeable

David Moyes was made to rue his side’s wastefulness and they are winless in three games

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.