Performance frustration
The overarching point that Frank Lampard and his squad will be focusing on after Everton's draw with Nottingham Forest is that they didn't actually play all that badly.
Of course certain aspects were frustrating and the result wasn't the win that everyone of a royal blue persuasion would have wanted. But, there were the underlying signs of some positive play on a number of occasions particularly when playing through the middle third of the pitch.
The centre-backs looked pretty solid, barring a few misplaced passes that plagued much of the Everton squad on Saturday afternoon, and the wing-backs looked good whenever called upon in attack and in defence. The midfielders were using possession generally well and managing to find their attacking teammates fairly regularly.
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From that point on it was hardly surprising. Those in the forward positions did look sharp and creative at times, but for the vast majority of the game they couldn't string things together in the final third and they made the wrong decisions on too many occasions.
And that's where the frustration lies. No doubt there will be someone outside of Everton looking at one point gained from a potential nine to kick off the season and thinking Lampard might be in trouble, but that's far from the case.
Granted, many might have been questioning the substitution decisions the manager made throughout the game and that's fair criticism in a lot of ways. Salomon Rondon looked tired and was potentially ready to come off, but the choice to stick with Dwight McNeil in that striker role for the rest of the match was a strange one - however it probably sums up the overriding issue.
Everton's main problem in this match was one that couldn't necessarily be solved by any decisions the manager would have made. Their toothless nature up front will only realistically be improved by new signings or the return of injury of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Rondon needed to come off at that time of the game, but there was nobody to come into the game to replace him. Dele was sent out to warm up for around half an hour, but perhaps a reluctance to bring him into the fray sums up his situation right now as a rumoured move to Besiktas continues to loom.
That good nature among a lot of the fanbase can only last for so long though. You can say that Everton's performances in their opening three matches have deserved more points, but the sobering fact of the matter is they haven't been able to secure them.
The Blues' displays may continue to improve, but until their forward options follow that same trend then this frustration will probably continue.
Iwobi excels
Alex Iwobi has been Everton's best player so far this season. It's not out of the question to suggest that he's actually the first name on the teamsheet at this point.
And this is all coming from playing in yet another position Blues fans might not have actually expected him to. He's lined up deeper in the midfield for Nigeria in the past, but this is the first extended run he's been given in this area of the pitch for his club side.
He came into this campaign on strong footing after what was a hugely impressive close to 2021/22, especially after the arrival of Frank Lampard. That came from another new position for him as well, often impressing as a right wing-back as Everton secured safety in the Premier League.
But as a central midfielder he's starting to excel even further, with his performance against Nottingham Forest the best of his trio to begin this season. At times in the first half particularly, it seemed that all of the good the hosts were creating was coming through the 26-year-old.
He won 100% of the tackles he went in for, had 68 touches of the ball, made four key passes and completed two dribbles. Far from being an attacking midfielder out-of-position, instead he looks like the kind of all-rounder Everton have been desperate for.
The highlight of his match arguably was a bit of defensive work as he sprinted back around 70 yards to stop a Nottingham Forest attack towards the corner flag. That rightfully earned him a huge round of applause from all sides of Goodison as they continue to appreciate every ounce of effort he is giving for this side.
Even if Everton do make more additions to their midfield, as many hope they will, Iwobi still has to be included in this side somewhere. Whatever that position is will certainly be an interesting one down the line, but the feeling is that he would surely be adept in one of those wide forward roles in the current setup.
Regardless of what might potentially happen, though, Iwobi has now cemented himself as a true fan favourite. How many would have predicted that just a few months ago?
Points needed
So, Everton avoided defeat for the first time this season, which might be something of a boost. And, at this early stage of the season, not much is really being made of the league table.
But, the Blues aren't really in a position to be dismissing any points that are on offer for them this season. After what happened last term, they need everything they can get.
Next up is a difficult trip to Brentford, as Manchester United rather emphatically found out earlier this month. If Everton aren't up for the fight and don't have a clinical cutting edge in that game, they could really be in trouble again.
And as much as you know that the table doesn't matter at this point of the season as much as it does with four games to go, you can't hide from the motivating factor it could potentially have. Even if the Blues do make moves before the end of the window, it would still be a little demoralising to see them in the relegation zone by that point.
Lampard's side are playing some nice football in places, they are proving themselves largely solid at the back for long periods. But the mistakes to let sides score are still apparent, and the cutting edge to put chances away at the other end of the pitch is still lacking.
Any points, wherever they come up across the season, are just as important as each other. The transfer window is still open and additions are desperately needed - but they have to come sooner rather than later.
Perhaps the game against Fleetwood Town will be a good opportunity to try out a different system, or let other players have a chance to stake their claim for the side. Many would no doubt love to see a youngster such as Stanley Mills, Lewis Warrington or Tom Cannon at least given a run-out from the bench for example.
Lampard won't be focusing on one point from nine, his focus will be on performances. However, those points are still crucial at this stage of the campaign - and Everton can't let too many slip through their fingers.
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