Everton have once again been left frustrated by the outcome of a PSR hearing.
This latest one, in which they were tried for the three-year rolling period following their last, came to the conclusion that a two-point deduction was fair, all things considered.
And whilst it could have been much worse, it is still far from ideal for fans, players or the coaching staff.
However, one pundit has now suggested a potential benefit from this outcome.
Simon Jordan makes bold claim about Everton deduction
Speaking live on talkSPORT (09/04, 10:08 am) earlier today, Simon Jordan, who has been supremely critical of Farhad Moshiri during his spell as owner of Everton, has come down hard on the club once again.
However, amidst all his grievances, most of which are well-founded, he also took time to point the finger at others involved whilst also glossing over yesterday’s points deduction.
In fact, against all the odds, the former Crystal Palace chairman actually suggested that the outcome was the best thing that could have happened to the Toffees.
He told Jim White: ‘You’d expect better. Moshiri is at the centre of this and of course there are other people to blame. I’m not going to give the late, great, very dear friend of mine Bill Kenwright a complete pass because all those guys had voices.
‘But the point is, is that the challenge for Everton fans is that, the best thing that can happen to Everton is a points deduction because quite frankly when they get a points deduction, their team picks up performances. So they’ll galvanise themselves and maybe they’ll pull themselves out this hole.’
How Everton could escape the drop
Realistically, such is the unpredictability of this relegation battle, and the veritable lack of quality amongst the many sides embroiled in the dogfight, Everton could escape the drop, despite their new deduction, with just one or two wins from their final seven matches.
In fact, there is every chance that they could go without winning a single match at all, although that is far more unlikely.
However, Sean Dyche will not want to rely on the results of others, but instead put his side in the best, strongest and safest position to ensure they do not fall victim to the drop.
Fortunately, as Jordan notes, they do have a history of recapturing form rapidly after a deduction.
Despite losing that first game against Manchester United back in November after the ten-point penalty, they would then enjoy a four-game win streak in the Premier League, overcoming Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Burnley.
Well, ironically so, they now face the former two in their next two matches.
Should they enjoy another run like that they would be guaranteed safety, and Dyche will be reaffirming that point to his players ahead of this crucial run-in.