Everton extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games by drawing 1-1 at Stoke City on Wednesday night.

The Toffees last tasted defeat in the league on December 19, when Sadio Mane scored a last-minute winner for Liverpool at Goodison Park, yet they looked on course to suffer a seventh loss of the campaign when Peter Crouch gave Mark Hughes’ side the lead at the bet365 Stadium.

However, Ronald Koeman’s side hit back through a Ryan Shawcross own goal and, although both sides had chances to win it, they both had to settle for a share of the spoils.

It means that Everton go into Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth seventh in the Premier League, and five points behind Manchester United in sixth.

Despite their recent good form, Koeman’s men struggled for much of the first half of the campaign, which forced the Dutchman to dive into the January transfer window early to secure the signings of Morgan Schneiderlin and Ademola Lookman.

And, although they were linked with other players, they were the only incomings, and here is what their FRONT FOUR could have looked like if they got one deal over the line last month…

Kevin Mirallas

Everton’s recent upturn in form appears to have coincided with Kevin Mirallas’ return to the first team.

The Belgian international was in and out of the team for much of November and December, yet his goal in the 2-0 win over Leicester on Boxing Day has persuaded Koeman to give him regular gametime at Goodison Park.

He has started five of their six games since the victory at the King Power Stadium, and was one of their stars in the 4-0 win over Manchester City on January 15, netting once and assisting another in the rout.

Mirallas has always been a good attacker who likes to run at players and get crosses into the box – keeping him fit and confident will be important for Koeman to get the best out of him.

Ross Barkley

Based on recent performances, it’s surprising to think that Ross Barkley was seriously struggling for confidence, and indeed struggling to get into the Everton team on a regular basis.

The England international, who hasn’t been selected for a squad since the European Championships last summer, scored one and assisted another in his first two appearances of the season, but then netted just once more in his next 12 games for the Toffees.

However, a fine all round display and assist in the 2-1 win over Arsenal in December has instigated an upturn in form for the 23-year-old, who has now scored once and assisted two others in his last five league games.

Although Koeman will still want more from Barkley, he has been much-improved in the last six weeks, and the goals, as well as an England recall, will surely come if he sustains this level of performance for the rest of the season.

Yacine Brahimi

Everton attempted to land FC Porto attacker Yacine Brahimi in the summer, but failed with a £30 million plus bid for the Algerian international.

However, they reportedly sustained their interest in the 26-year-old during the first half of the season and into the January window, although they didn’t get a deal done before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.

Although he hasn’t played as much this term, Brahimi netted 12 goals in his first season at the club in 2014/15, before finding the net nine times last term in helping the club to a third place finish in the Portuguese top-flight.

The Algerian, who was on international duty at the African Cup of Nations for much of January, has only made ten appearances in the league this time round, but has still scored three goals and laid on two assists in that time.

Gerard Deulofeu’s loan move to AC Milan opened the door for a potential incoming in the attacking department, yet Brahimi remains a Porto player for the remainder of the season at least.

Romelu Lukaku

Everton’s talisman Romelu Lukaku continues to score goals at a healthy rate for the Toffees, and is slowly developing into one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

The Belgian, who scored 11 goals in just 14 appearances for his country last year, has netted 12 goals in 21 league games this season, and also laid on four assists to suggest that he’s more than just an out-and-out goal-scorer.

His link-up play with the likes of Mirallas and Barkley has been excellent in recent weeks, and he’s well on course to surpassing last season’s tally of 18 Premier League goals, his best goal-scoring season ever, this time round.

It goes without saying that Lukaku is absolutely pivotal for Everton, and he’ll continue to be their go-to man for the rest of this campaign, and indeed for many years to come.