Over the years, West Ham have tried to fashion themselves as rivals for Everton.
The Blues' inconsistencies during that period have unfortunately left both sides battling for similar positions in the table - and that was again the case when the two sides met on Saturday.
But that rivalry has also meant similar players are linked to the Hammers and Toffees simultaneously.
Bernard was heavily linked with a potential move to the London Stadium this summer before eventually coming to Goodison Park.
Marco Silva fuming, foul language used and other moments missed from Everton's victory over West Ham
Marko Arnautovic has been a target for Everton in the past, while rumours surrounded Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna about a potential move to Merseyside before they signed for the east London club.
One of the more surprising additions to the Hammers line-up this weekend, however, was also a previous target for the Blues.
But Lucas Perez managed to prove just how much Everton dodged a bullet.
Following the shock inclusion - his first Premier League start of 2019 - anyone watching the game might have forgotten Perez was on the pitch.
His anonymous display was brought to a merciful end at half-time as he was replaced by Javier Hernandez.
He failed to punish Everton for "missing out" in spectacular fashion.
Perez's 25 touches were the least of anyone who started Saturday's match at the London Stadium with even Jordan Pickford managing more.
Ipswich fans say the same thing about Everton loan star Matthew Pennington after injury ends season
The striker completed just 12 passes, had no shots, attempted no dribbles and won no aerial duels.
All this from a man the Blues were close to signing not too long ago.
Arsenal eventually confirmed the capture of the Spaniard in 2016 but were rewarded with just 11 Premier League appearances and one goal.
A loan move to back to Deportivo followed before a permanent move to West Ham last summer.
Perez didn't show Everton what they were missing while previous Hammers target Bernard, on the other hand, dominated proceedings for Silva's side.
All the best reaction to Everton's win over West Ham is right HERE
With a front three of the Brazilian, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison - plus Ademola Lookman on the bench - Everton can thank Arsenal for avoiding another expensive flop.
