Everton are preparing for their final Premier League game before the international break against Fulham, with fresh training footage providing some positives.
It was a frustrating return to Wearside for David Moyes on Monday evening after Iliman Ndiaye’s opening goal was not built upon as Sunderland secured themselves a point.
For Everton, it is now three games without a victory in the Premier League and just one win since August.
The Blues have, however, won both of their two games prior to the previous two international breaks already held this season.
Jamie Carragher criticised Everton’s defending against Sunderland, but it is their lack of goals which is proving the biggest issue.
Ahead of the game, the Toffees have been getting to work at Finch Farm preparing for Saturday’s clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
And there are some positives to take from the footage recently released by the club.
Sunderland v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye spotted ahead of Everton vs Fulham
On Monday evening, Ndiaye was withdrawn in the second half with what appeared to be an injury worry.
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Moyes admitted Ndiaye was likely suffering from cramp and reassured fans that it was not something they should be worrying about.
The footage shared by the club on Thursday showed Ndiaye in the gym with his teammates and was even putting in some headers to keep Jack Grealish’s game of no bounce going.
Michael Keane has shared how hard Ndiaye works in training to keep taking his game to the next level on Merseyside.
Player Goals
Iliman Ndiaye 4
James Garner 1
Michael Keane 1
Idrissa Gana Gueye 1
Beto 1
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 1
Jack Grealish 1
Ndiaye is leading the way at the top of Everton’s top goalscorer, with no other player having scored more than one goal.
So, having the Senegal international fit and raring to go on Saturday afternoon is going to be of huge significance.
Thierno Barry working on his strength
Moyes admitted Thierno Barry should have doubled Everton’s lead against the Black Cats in the first half.
It was a poor miss from the youngster and one that could have finally kickstarted his career as an Everton player.
Now, the 62-year-old is left with a decision of who he is going to start on Saturday up front.
In a recent press conference, Moyes warned Barry and Beto a drastic striker change could come with another forward or midfielder potentially replacing them.
With this in mind, it was a positive to see Barry working on his strength in the gym footage, as he continues to adapt to the English game.
Everton News understands that Everton remain confident Barry will succeed in the Premier League, but it is clear that he is needing some time to settle.
Jack Grealish remains in high spirits
It has now been a number of weeks since Grealish provided Everton with either an assist or a goal, but he came close on Monday,
The 30-year-old rattled the post from distance at the Stadium of Light, which Moyes was gutted to see deflect away from the goal.
“Jack [Grealish] hits the post and when we missed [Thierno Barry’s] chance we didn’t have enough, then we conceded immediately after kick-off. Goals make the difference and can change how you feel as a manager,” said the Scot after the game.
However, Grealish is remaining in high spirits ahead of the game against Fulham with the loanee still joking with his teammates inside the gym.
James Garner has been so impressed with Grealish since he joined in the summer and the game against Fulham will provide him with another chance to impress Thomas Tuchel.