Cahill and Neill, who both played full games, were part of a heroic Everton side who arguably deserved more than just a point after a fine performance in difficult conditions.

The Toffees went ahead early through Leon Osman's 12th minute header but Arsenal replied when Denilson's shot was deflected in a quarter of an hour later.

Later in the opening half, Cahill might have restored Everton's lead when he was presented with a chance after Manuel Almunia misread a deep cross but the Aussie mishit his header.

The conditions continued to worsen into the second-half, but Everton appeared to relish the cold and with fifteen minutes to go Cahill went on a great run down the left, cruising past William Gallas before a dangerous cutback was hacked clear.

It was a sign of intent and moments later the Socceroos midfielder showed poise in the middle of the park when he held the ball up and attracted two Arsenal defenders, before releasing Steven Pienaar who strolled in and calmly lobbed Almunia to put Everton ahead.

But for all Everton's hard work they were left to rue a cruel late blow, when Abou Diaby set up Tomas Rosicky, who saw his effort deflected into the back of the net off a lunging Neill.

Elsewhere in England overnight, Patrick Kisnorbo and Neil Kilkenny both put in full shifts for Leeds United as they came crashing back to earth after a 1-1 draw with battling Wycombe in League One.

Jonny Howson had given the Whites an early lead, before Kilkenny was called on to clear a Wycombe effort off the line.

Down the other end, the Beijing Olyroo tested Wycombe stopper Scott Shearer with a low effort on 34 minutes.

And on the hour mark, Kisnorbo was also well denied by Shearer with a good save. Moments later, Jon-Paul Pittman equalised for Wycombe, who had Aussie keeper Jamie Young on the pine.

In the Scottish Cup, Aussie youngster Rocky Visconte was handed his debut for Hearts as they lost 2-0 at Aberdeen.

Visconte, who has been an unused substitute in a number of recent Hearts matches, started at left-back and was impressive early appearing assured on the ball and confident in possession.

Late in the second-half with his side trailing by two goals, the 19-year-old tried his luck with an effort which forced Aberdeen keeper James Langfield to tip the ball over the bar.

Finally in Italy's Serie B, Socceroo hopeful Carl Valeri was an unused substitute for Sassuolo as they drew 1-1 with leaders Lecce.

Valeri, who only moved from Grosseto to Sassuolo last week, had played a full game midweek against Empoli for his new club but worryingly missed out overnight.