FROM seven miserable days of soul-searching to 93 minutes of thunderous redemption. How typically Everton.

There might have been an impostor on the pitch in Manchester City colours beforehand, but as for the Toffees – this was the real deal.

Yet even in the euphoria of a triumphant afternoon, something of a royal blue identity crisis lingered.

What was the authentic Everton? The side that buckled so disastrously with a trip to Wembley in sight last weekend, or that which over-turned the odds to land yet another telling blow on the reigning champions?

Maybe the answer is both.

David Moyes celebrated his 11th year in charge at Goodison last week and although Saturday’s finale will have left him with a deserved smile, the contrast between the two performances epitomised one of the most frustrating conundrums of his reign.

So often when big moments have arrived his team have fluffed their lines. The mitigation, of course, is abundant – but there’s no denying it. Too frequently, Everton have choked.

Then – with backs pressed against the wall and hope appearing lost – along has come the stirring response. The punch square between the eyes for critics too quick to write off his team.

It was the type of performance forged in the manager’s DNA – defiant, brave, committed and unflinching.

But why did it require adversity to spark it? At least Moyes was correct when he insisted there has been more sunshine than rain this season. As if to neatly summarise his point, a rainbow hung majestically over Goodison at the end.

The contrast between the display over City and the car-crash FA Cup quarter-final that preceded it was vast. This time, from the first whistle, Everton were purposeful and dynamic.

Marouane Fellaini – who copped plenty of the flak for his disinterested approach against Wigan – was desperate to atone.

At times he was in danger of allowing that intent to get him sent off. The Belgian was lucky to only see yellow for a late, scything tackle on James Milner in front of the Bullens Road, where his meltdown had occurred last week, but his drive was indicative of a shared spirit in the Blues camp.

Everton were unjustly denied the lead just after 10 minutes, when Leon Osman headed the ball back into the City area and Kevin Mirallas fired home. The assistant’s flag punctured the celebrations but replays showed he had been onside.

The play had almost exclusively been in the champions’ half, and it took them almost 25 minutes to even get a shot on target as Carlos Tevez skipped into the area and tested Jan Mucha.

It was Everton who were the consistent attacking threat with both full-backs finding dangerous positions. Leighton Baines’ contributions this term have been so plentiful he could be voted player of the season now, but Seamus Coleman has watched and learned. He appeared momentarily indecisive as he picked up the ball on the edge of the area after half an hour, but retained enough composure to spot Leon Osman in space calling for the ball.

Coleman delivered and Osman sent a swerving 25-yard drive into the top corner. It was an exquisite strike. He may have appeared weary in recent weeks but the 31-year-old reminded everyone why this has perhaps been his most impressive season of a long-serving Everton career.

A week before they had limped off at the interval, this time they charged into the tunnel.

That desire to make amends was still palpable after the break too.

Victor Anichebe had to briefly depart the field for treatment to a head injury but the striker couldn’t wait to get back on. His was a display of ceasless endeavour in attack and in his own area, and it was a necessary rearguard as City belatedly began to threaten.

Everton’s abrasive approach had been effective, but it cost them when Steven Pienaar got his marching orders for a second booking. The South African was late with a lunge on Javi Garcia, and even though the Spaniard made the most of it, ref Lee Probert’s decision seemed inevitable.

Pienaar’s imminent suspension, along with a ban for Fellaini who picked up his 10th booking, were rare sour notes.

Roberto Mancini’s men belatedly remembered they were in a title race and rallied. First Mucha denied James Milner with a smart reflex save, and then Pablo Zabaleta curled an effort over the bar as Mancini’s men stepped up a gear.

Still Everton maintained an attacking presence, with Sylvain Distin heading narrowly over from another corner. Then Mucha was on hand to make another brave stop, this time throwing himself in front of Zabaleta at point blank range as the City captain shaped to shoot.

Goodison was in full bear-pit mode as the climax approached with every perceived injustice only cranking up the volume higher. It was that sort of afternoon, although the away dugout was entitled to feel hard done by near the end, as Fellaini appeared to block Tevez’s shot in the area with his arm, but Probert awarded a free-kick instead for handling by Osman outside the box.

It was fortuitous, but Everton had already seen a legitimate goal ruled offside and were not to be denied. There was enough salvation for everyone.

Fellaini charged forward on the counter attack with City committed upfield, and slipped the ball to late sub Nikica Jelavic, who confidently scored his first league goal in 14 appearances.

It might have gone in off City defender Gael Clichy but Jelavic won’t care – it could be the moment that revives him and his club in the most timely fashion.

There are no distractions now. The only remaining prize is European football.

If Everton can stay as mean, moody and uncompromising as this – they just might win it.