Everton extended their unbeaten run to eight games at Middlesbrough on Saturday, though there was an air of disappointment attached to the 0-0 draw. Intermittent flat performances and results such as this are why Everton are likely to end this season as "the best of the rest."
There are plenty of positives and potential at present, but manager Ronald Koeman will know his squad remains a work in progress and requires additional game-changing quality.
Pitting the joint-fourth best defences in the league against each other, this tough away assignment gradually turned into a war of attrition. There was little attacking spark and the pressing off the ball had none of its usual enthusiasm.