Everton's English defender Phil Jagielka vies with Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool on August 23, 2015 © Getty Images

Tim Howard had to be alert from the off to keep out Sergio Aguero, who latched on to David Silva's initial shot to force the American keeper into a save down low.

It was Aguero again who found himself in the right place soon after, this time creating a yard of space to get on the end of Jesus Navas's cross, only to see his attempt once more kept out by Howard.

Everton were looking steady in possession, but it was City who continued to create the best openings as Silva fired a powerful effort over the bar from 25 yards out.

Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (R) skips past Manchester City's English goalkeeper Joe Hart to score but the goal is ruled offside during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool © Getty Images

The Toffees, who had lost just one of their last six home meetings against the Sky Blues heading into this one, finally managed to test Joe Hart midway through the half thanks to Ross Barkley's shot down the middle.

Despite City's early chances, it was Everton who thought they had taken the lead when Romelu Lukaku got himself on the end of Barkley's through-ball and coolly rolled the ball into the net, before seeing his celebration cut short by the offside flag.

Seamus Coleman and Raheem Sterling both came close to an opener with their shots as the opening 45 minutes wore on, while a powerful Phil Jagielka header also ended narrowly over of the target.

The deadlock was very nearly broken with what was the last meaningful kick of the half, as Lukaku's free kick hit the bar on its way over, but it was to remain goalless at the break.