But Arteta increasingly became a key player and often the lone creative force as Everton struggled to climb out of the relegation zone. When he didn't play, the difference was often embarrassing. So rumours of an impending move to Man Utd in the summer were met with fear and trepidation. Thankfully they proved to be hogwash.
Arteta continued to be Everton's best player by considerable distance, lighting up Goodison with his sublime skill and mesmerising ball control. No surprise then that he was voted Everton's Player of the Season again, after another superb spell as source of most creativity and flair