How's the heart rate? Calmed down yet? If you're an Everton fan, probably not. Just when you thought they were back, just when they'd drawn you back in, they go and throw it away. This time, the late sucker-punch cost them two points instead of a defeat, but it's hard not to think about how massive that win could have been—and it would have been richly deserved.

There was plenty of furore when the line-up was announced, with Merlin Rohl brought in from the cold to play out on the right wing. By half-time, based on some of the reactions online, you'd think Everton were 4-0 down. But here's the thing: Manchester City dominated possession, sure, but they only created two half-openings before Everton crafted the best chance of the first half—a certain goal denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Then Jeremy Doku, who'd come back to break hearts later on, produced a moment of magic. But Everton flipped the script in the second half and showed exactly what they can do. Football's a game of two halves—let's all remember that sometimes.

I won't argue that some of David Moyes' decisions when it comes to handing players minutes this season have been bizarre, and I won't say that Rohl at right wing was on my bingo card either. But you know what? He played brilliantly. Defensively, he teamed up well with Jake O'Brien, and in the second half, he pushed forward with the kind of dynamism that has been badly lacking when Dwight McNeil or Tyler Dibling have played there recently. He set up Thierno Barry's second goal and created that great first-half chance, just by showing pace and urgency to run in behind. Long-term, he's a central player, but this could be a valuable option for the final three games.

It still might be that Barry leaves Everton this summer, but his cameo was exactly what he needed. Not just his goals—both finishes were exceptional—but his intensity, his press, his effort. Do that, and it's all Evertonians ask for. The goals will follow.