PL Stats

Everton's 2-2 draw at Fulham signalled the ten game point of the season, generally the time managers and players finally deem it acceptable to begin judging their work. Sitting fourth in the table, the Toffees have started unusually well. They are playing some attractive football and dominating most games, although four consecutive draws have slightly checked their recent progress. In terms of performance, Everton's play has evolved into a more possession-heavy, pass-friendly system that has seen the Toffees become masters at carving out chances …

Everton's unusually positive start to the season will have its foundations tested when arch-rivals Liverpool make the short trip to Goodison Park on Sunday. This fixture carries considerable baggage for the natives of Merseyside and every surrounding aspect before, during and after the contest will be intensely scrutinised long after the game. From tactics to systems, refereeing decisions and, of course, managerial selections. For Everton this week, the spotlight has generally surrounded who best replaces the banned Steven Pienaar, and …