IF ONLY these two teams could get the credit they most probably deserve.

While Everton can’t negotiate any by way of cash from the bank, Villa aren’t receiving much in terms of praise from the wider football world.

But whatever this pair of prudent Premier League protagonists may or may not lack in pounds, pence and plaudits they more than make up for in the qualities that money can’t necessarily buy.

For although Alex McLeish’s ‘unbeatables’ almost succumbed to the siege mentality of David Moyes’ cash-strapped side, Villa too stuck together like Toffees.

And, ultimately, a point despite not being very good at Goodison was reward for Villa’s character as McLeish took his undefeated Premier League start to four games, making it seven without loss for Villa in the top flight following a strong end to last season.

“We are unbeatable” chanted the Villa fans, with a strong hint of irony as their team came closer than ever to losing their first competitive game under the new regime following an opening 45 minutes McLeish candidly branded “insipid”.

But as well as new faces among the playing and backroom staff, collectively Villa now also boast a new face of formidability, which on off-days like Saturday could prove to be priceless if they are to avoid being pointless.  

Villa gave a debut to Alan Hutton, who was rusty from a lack of games, while Jermaine Jenas failed to make the squad after a training ground knock which could delay his debut by a further fortnight.

At least McLeish was able to throw both of his new behind-the-scenes allies straight into action.

Moyes’ matchday programme notes hinted that there were changes among Villa’s coaching team as the Everton boss erroneously extended a warm welcome to Gary McAllister.

In fact, it is another Scottish former Liverpool midfielder and ex-claret and blue caretaker who has stepped up to the role of first-team coach, Kevin MacDonald, not so much a new face as a familiar and highly-regarded old one.

And the promoted reserve-team boss’s pre-match presence in the warm-up was among the most encouraging on-pitch moments of the entire afternoon from Villa’s viewpoint.  

It will have been to MacDonald’s great delight that two of his former proteges – Marc Albrighton and Gabby Agbonlahor – combined for the goal which earned Villa what previously seemed an unlikely draw.