In a season of false starts and setbacks, the latest slither of hope emerged from the late point earned against Manchester United last time out. Leighton Baines' confidently dispatched penalty needs to signal a turning point for a team that have won just two matches since September.
Manager Ronald Koeman has had a clear focus since taking charge at Everton this summer, evidenced by continued references to pressing, work ethic and organisation. Priority number one was toughening up an underachieving squad and mending a broken defence.
Six months in, improvements have not been as noticeable or convincing as Koeman or supporters might have anticipated as the Blues prepare to face Watford in Saturday's early kick off.