Everton have endured a tough start to the new Premier League season, but their performances have not quite merited the results that they have been dealt.
After all, shipping ten goals across just three games is hardly a fair indication of their efforts, especially after they performed admirably against Brighton and Hove Albion at first, deserving something from the game until the sending-off, and dominating AFC Bournemouth until that nine-minute implosion.
It is the manner of their latest defeat that has bred such newfound negativity around Goodison Park, despite many attesting to it arguably being their best performance under Sean Dyche‘s leadership.
Fortunately, the international break comes at the perfect time for once, allowing this crop of players to go off and regather their thoughts.
Not only that, but it also extends the time they have to rush key players back to full fitness.
Everton have secret weapon just waiting to be unleashed
It’s quite remarkable just how many injuries the Toffees have already suffered this campaign despite being just four games in.
Jarrad Branthwaite marks the outstanding absentee that they just cannot seem to replace, but other areas have been left bare by niggling ailments too.
Seamus Coleman is one such player who has continued his torrid run of injuries, whilst James Garner is only just returning to action now.