Everton’s campaign, whilst one of relative progression, has been consistently hampered by off-pitch issues.
Whether it be the unrelenting takeover drama or their persisting PSR controversy, it always feels like a fresh setback is just around the corner for a club desperate to achieve some much-needed sustainability.
And, with another points deduction potentially in the offing, just months after they were dealt a six-point penalty too, some fans rightfully are fearing the worst.
However, one pundit suggests that a larger problem is afoot at Goodison Park.
Danny Murphy thinks Everton still have a big problem
Speaking live on talkSPORT earlier today (03/04, 10:10 am), Danny Murphy was full of praise for Everton despite their poor form.
He attested that, whilst results have not been kind to them, performances have improved dramatically.
However, there remains one big issue that the pundit felt would continue to plague the club.
When asked by Sam Matterface how he’d recommend dealing with the points deduction scandal, he replied: ’Well you do it with hard work, good professionalism and doing the same things.
‘I don’t think it’s as big a deal… I mean, it’s not ideal, of course, because it puts a bit more pressure on each game looking behind you rather than the comfort zone, the extra points they would have had.
‘But watching Everton as many times as I have, I haven’t seen a team low on energy or desire. I’ve just seen a team that struggles to create and score goals. I mean, the Man United game is a great example. They should have been comfortably up in that game. And all of a sudden they can’t finish their chances, the final pass, that little bit of quality in the final third and they don’t have puts them under a world of pressure.
‘So my feeling is the bigger issue for Everton is the lack of end product. Some of their performances have been okay. Now, not many of those players don’t go out every week for Dychey and give him everything. There’s there’s a high energy in the Everton side. They’re competitive.’
Everton can silence the doubters this weekend
Well, having fought for a well-earned point yesterday, attention must immediately turn to their third game in just seven days, as they now host Burnley.
It is a monumental six-pointer and could have huge repercussions in the grand scheme of the relegation battle, which has heated up in recent weeks with certain results tightening the gap.
Now, just 12 points separate rock-bottom Sheffield United and 15th-placed Brentford, who the Toffees will seek to leapfrog with a win this weekend.
Having cruised to a comfortable win at Turf Moor, and already beaten Burnley in the EFL Cup at Goodison Park too, a precedent has been set.
But, it is also worth considering that, despite yesterday’s result being an uplifting one, Everton are still winless in 13 Premier League games.
That simply must end this Saturday.