Despite Everton not kicking a football this weekend, a huge game at the bottom of the table had a significant bearing on the Premier League’s relegation picture.
Luton Town’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest is probably the perfect result for the Toffees. The Hatters, having played one more game, are three points adrift. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit level on points, with Everton having a game in hand.
The Blues’ form needs to improve, but based on the league table, the Toffees are in a solid position to avoid a nervy end to the season.
Nevertheless, Luton boss Rob Edwards still believes his side can chase down the sides currently above them.
Rob Edwards sends defiant message to Everton and Nottingham Forest
In his post-match interview, Edwards was content with a point at Kenilworth Road: “We turned up today wanting three points at home,” he said. “But with how the game went, we have to take the point and move forward.”
Everton must focus on finding goalscoring formula
For Sean Dyche and Everton, finding the right formula at the top end of the pitch is essential. The lack of goals could prove costly heading into the season’s latter stages.
At the moment, Dyche’s side are in a position to pull themselves away from trouble, but that will only happen if this group of players can finally find a way of becoming more clinical.
The three-week break has probably come at a good time. The mini-break to Portugal has given the squad time away from the limelight, although reports of an incident between Nathan Patterson and Dyche have emerged.
Hopefully, the extended time on the training pitch pays off when the Toffees travel to Bournemouth after the international break.