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Everybody loves a sweeping generalisation.

Indeed, there’s one right there for you.

But while it may not take all that long to pick apart such assertions, at their very core is an undeniable truth.

And it’s no different with the belief that, in the Premier League era at least, life after Everton can prove difficult.

There are more than a few reminders of that over the coming days, not least at the Stadium of Light on Monday night.

Sunderland boss David Moyes spent more than 11 years building a solid managerial reputation at Goodison, only for it to be seriously damaged by spells at Manchester United and Real Sociedad.

Among his inherited squad is Jack Rodwell, an Everton Academy graduate who has taken steps backwards at Manchester City and on Wearside.

Moyes has since brought in former Blue Steven Pienaar – who endured a brief, unhappy time at Tottenham Hotspur after temporarily leaving Goodison in his prime – and Victor Anichebe, for whom post-Everton existence was disappointing at West Bromwich Albion.

When switching to Old Trafford three years ago, Moyes took Marouane Fellaini with him. And while the Belgian remains a part of United boss Jose Mourinho’s plans and can point to an FA Cup triumph, even he’d admit a struggle to convince.

A few years previous, Andy Johnson kicked up a fuss to leave for Fulham in 2009, but was probably left wondering why he bothered after an injury-hampered stint at Craven Cottage.

Much earlier still came the case of Francis Jeffers at Arsenal, the fabled “fox in the box” too often at the vets – well, treatment room.

Duncan Ferguson and Thomas Gravesen went to Newcastle United and Real Madrid respectively, both returned.

Then there are those who won silverware but arguably produced their best form when at Goodison.

Like Johnson, Joleon Lescott’s Everton exit was less than cordial, but the defender could argue a haul of two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and League Cup made it worthwhile.

Mikel Arteta departed in somewhat happier circumstances to Arsenal, but while he became skipper, won two FA Cups and was a favourite with Gooners, Everton supporters undoubtedly witnessed the little Spaniard in his prime.

As Moyes discovered, managers aren’t immune with his successor Roberto Martinez already behind the eight ball after just two games in charge of Belgium, having seen his side booed off at home to Spain.

A subsequent win in Cyprus will have eased immediate pressure if not convinced the many doubters. Still, the reported £10million pay-off Martinez received for failing at Goodison will help ease the pain somewhat.

Of course, there are those that buck the trend.

Two will go head to head this morning in the Manchester derby, with John Stones looking to quell the threat of Wayne Rooney.

These, though, are exceptional cases, the mammoth amounts for which both departed underlining there was never any question of their respective talents.

Even the most Blue-eyed Evertonian would admit Rooney and Stones were always destined to flourish elsewhere, albeit supporters would have ideally wanted another season or two from both players.

At least, though, fans got the chance to witness the pair in an Everton shirt, which wasn’t the case with Shkodran Mustafi, save 15 minutes against BATE Borisov in December 2009.

Mustafi, still only 24, is slated to make his Arsenal debut today after completing a £35m move from Valencia.

If Rooney and, as is likely, Stones are the exception due to their raw ability, Mustafi simply wasn’t given the opportunity to sample first-team life at Goodison.

Otherwise, Everton is often the Premier League pinnacle for those who eventually seek to challenge themselves elsewhere.

Just ask Moyes, Rodwell, Pienaar or Anichebe on Monday.