'There is a feeling of stability again'

Although draws do not propel you up the table very far, the points gained against Arsenal and Chelsea - both with clean sheets - can be viewed as excellent results.

If Everton can get something at Manchester City on 26 December, they will have navigated a particularly tough run of fixtures admirably. That said, the fixtures after Boxing Day are tough too, but that is the Premier League for you.

Defensively, Everton are sound - five clean sheets in the past six games. Clearly they need goals now, but given the quality of the opposition recently, it has been a good run.

The return of Armando Broja will be a big boost in that regard. He just needs a run in the side now and will add to the Blues' striking threat.

The Boxing Day game is fascinating. Everton will need all of that defensive solidity because, despite recent form, City are still a formidable threat - home or away.

But, with the takeover now in place too, there is a feeling of stability again, which Sean Dyche's side will hope they can feed off in the coming weeks.

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