SOMETIMES, all it takes is a goal. A name on the scoresheet in a high-profile match to alert a wider audience to something regular observers have been aware of for some time. Iliman Ndiaye’s goal for Everton against Manchester City on Boxing Day did just that.

Everton go into this weekend’s meeting with Nottingham Forest having taken a point from games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in their last three fixtures.

Those points have arrived on the back of defensive performances that have seen Everton keep clean sheets in seven of their last 11 games.