Behind him, Richarlison, Bernard, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi are capable of contributing to that improving attack. Around Calvert-Lewin – or potentially Moise Kean – they offer their manager significant variety and pace, and to the extent that their attacking qualities when attacking one-on-one and between the lines, and their ability to create combinations, should increasingly lead to goals. What can also already be seen is a gradual change in Everton’s mentality. There exists a growing resilience that had been absent, and that was most obviously demonstrated when after falling two goals down at Watford they recovered to win 3-2, recording their first league victory from a losing position since 2017.

A further, short-term priority surrounds Sidibé’s future. Digne and Leighton Baines represent fine options from left wing-back, but Sidibé is only on loan from Monaco until the season’s end, unless they exercise their right to buy him permanently. With Digne and Baines so capable of attacking from left-back or left wing-back, if Everton are to truly achieve their ambitions, as has been seen with rivals Liverpool and in the modern era with City and Tottenham, a duel threat from both full-backs or wing-backs is something they are likely to need.

The preferred identity of his central midfielders similarly needs to be determined. Gylfi Sigurdsson, Fabian Delph and Tom Davies have so far been those most commonly used, but none are as effective at breaking down attacks as once was Gueye. If there is reasonable creativity between them, they have also occasionally been guilty of lethargic attempts to build play (above), and there remains a need for greater balance in front of their defence. Even if Morgan Schneiderlin is given more chances to impress, they will eventually require a superior defensive midfielder.