Crisis Control: Check.

An eagerly anticipated wait to see our new-look side take shape for the new season became something of a disappointment when only two new faces joined the familiar pool of players from last year. A starting 11 that on paper appeared underwhelming, weak, lacking of real quality was met with an obvious loss of optimism amongst us all. 5 players, all of whom you would expect to be starting games, and most key players at that, all noticeable absentees. With Fer banned and Bassong missing virtually the entirety of pre-season, we could have done without further injury problems - but Pilkington, Hooper and Snodgrass (out of nowhere) were ruled out leaving a rather threadbare squad that required the likes of Butterfield to be on the bench.

Which is why it would have been unfair to jump to any conclusions regarding Hughton, tactics, the squad and our chances this season on the back of the Everton game. A loss would have set off alarms that ultimately would have been unnecessary. If Everton were to be missing Jagielka, Pienaar, Fellaini, Mirallas and Jelavic (the equivalent losses in terms of importance to the squad) would they have been able to pull off a result? Possibly not. The fact that Hughton and the team he put out gave an extremely strong Everton side a tough contest is a testament to his management and deserves real credit. We didn't look impressive, nor did we look dangerous, but we certainly didn't deserve to lose. With hopefully more additions to come, it gives me great confidence in our squad depth and our ability to deal with considerable injury setbacks during the season ahead.

However the main talking point from the game, and rightfully so, is the frightening talent of Ross Barkley. Only thrown into the side because of an injury to Darron Gibson, the under-21 international has everything. Pace, strength, confidence and technical ability, Barkley has an abundance of potential. The best player on the pitch yesterday, I fail to understand how Tom Cleverley can be rated higher than Everton's new boy-wonder. Admittedly, Cleverley has played more games, but if Barkley can keep up performances of yesterday's standard - he'll be knocking on Hodgson's door just in time for the World Cup.

As one youngster grabbed the headlines, his England under-21 international team-mate Nathan Redmond looked a class above the rest of our midfield - and he's only 19. Quick feet, passing ability and unafraid to run at the opposition - Redmond is only going to get better. At £2.5 (possibly rising to £3.2) million, he's an absolute steal. His performance was recognised with the Man of the Match award, though I would argue Steven Whittaker deserved that accolade - just. A fantastic goal, an assist, a regular threat pushing forward from right-back and a comfortable defensive display. When we signed Whittaker a Celtic fan told me he wouldn't cut it in the Prem. Sorry mate, but you were wrong. If he can steer clear from injuries, Whittaker is a class act.

Howson, on the other hand, is one of the most frustrating footballers I've ever seen. Undoubtedly has ability, but the quality we saw against West Brom and Man City at the end of last season is far too irregular. Constantly finding himself in good positions to push forward and attack - Howson lacked the decisiveness to make anything count, and was wasteful in possession. The same goes for Hoolahan, nothing went right for Wes first half. The problem is Wes is a great option but only when he's exactly that - an option. He can't be the only player capable of playing 'in the hole' week in, week out. He needs to be used in the games he can shine in, and not those where he will just be a passenger.

Back to the positives, though, and Elliot Bennett appears to have worked on his strength over the summer. He looks far less lightweight than the Elliot Bennett of the last two years. Bradley Johnson continues to be criticised for his lack of quality on the ball, but off it he's exactly what we need in the centre of the park. Our fans are too quick to overlook what the inclusion of brute force in midfield brings to a Premiership side. More of the same for me please, Bradley. As for Russell Martin, not since Malky Mackay has a player put his body on the line for the club in such a literal sense. How many times have we been rescued from a goal line clearance, or last minute block, from our club captain? Outstanding commitment. Between him, Whittaker, and another strong performance (particularly second half) from Garrido - Hughton has a real selection dilemma in defence with the imminent return of Bassong.

Finally, the importance of 'The Wolf's' first goal in English football cannot be understated. Questions would be asked had he have gone a few games with no return, but our record signing has immediately answered them all. A fantastic header - I get the feeling that should RVW be presented with chances, he will tuck them away. Some games he may appear somewhat passive when service is restricted, but rest assured he'll be making the right movements, opening up space and getting himself into dangerous positions.

Overall, plenty of positives can be taken from yesterday's Desmond. Not much can be said for our team's quality however until we see our strongest-XI taking place. Only then would it be fair to judge. Let's hope for at very least a triple return from the five absentees in time for Hull away next weekend.