Tom Davies won't forget his first Everton goal - despite not remembering other parts of the Manchester City win

Davies forgot clearing Bacary Sagna's header off the line

Tom Davies put in a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester City (Getty)

It is reflective of the impact made by Tom Davies during Everton’s destruction of Manchester City that by the end of the afternoon, he needed to be reminded about one of his key contributions towards the outcome.

Everton were 1-0 ahead at the time, with City hunting for an equaliser. Kevin De Bruyne’s cross was met by Bacary Sagna and City would have been level. But Davies was there on post duty and he was able to make the clearance.

“I forgot about the header off the line actually!” Davies replied after it was suggested to him that Sunday, January 15 is a date he won’t forget, considering he’d also played a crucial role in Everton’s opener before scoring his first professional goal – a wonder-goal, in fact.

On the night Davies was born, England were eliminated from the 1998 World Cup on penalties by Argentina – the game where David Beckham was infamously red carded for kicking Diego Simeone. Now, eighteen years later, Davies wasn’t sure how he’d mark the occasion. “I’ll just see what my mum and dad and my brother are up to…”

He could explain, though, what his performance meant on a personal level. His opponent in midfield had been Yaya Touré.

“Coming into the game, it was a test for me to see where I was as a player, coming up against him,” Davies said. “What it has shown me is that if I keep working hard I can reach the level they are at. To beat Manchester City 4-0 is unbelievable, really. I would never have dreamed I would be in a game or in a team where Manchester City have been beaten 4-0.”

Ronald Koeman’s faith in Davies was marked by the fact others were taken off ahead of him, even with Morgan Schneiderlin’s introduction – someone who plays in a similar position.

“It was a great boost, of course. You see the substitutes getting ready to come on and you think it could be you. But he left me on and I am thankful for that. It’s good to have the new players in and the lads back around because it is great competition for the squad and that is what you need. Hopefully I can keep performing as I have done and keep my place.”

Koeman had selected Davies with clear instructions.

“He told me to be aware of players running in behind me,” Davies revealed. “With the players they have got, like Sterling, Aguero, Silva and De Bruyne, they are always on your shoulder. It was something that I had to be aware of and something I am working on. City could have really put us to the sword but as a whole, the shape we kept as a team was very good and it showed by keeping a clean sheet.”

David Unsworth, Everton's Under-23 manager, had described Davies as a "cool dude," albeit someone with "a terrible music taste." Davies, indeed, is distinctive-looking, with his blond hair swept back; his socks down and shin pads showing. His playing style appears unhurried, though what he does well is move the ball quickly – and forward. He was asked about his manner. Is it a conscious decision to dress and appear differently?

“No, it’s just me. It’s just how I have always played,” he reasoned. “I don’t know how to describe it but it is just the way I feel comfortable playing. I think that is the best way to be. If you feel comfortable and relaxed, then your game is going to be as good as it can be.”