Everton seem set to crawl to the finish line yet again this Premier League season, with yesterday’s win a monumental step in the right direction.
Having narrowly escaped the drop in the last two back-to-back campaigns, this term was one filled with promise when it started.
After all, they had invested shrewdly in the summer, and were being led by an experienced man in Sean Dyche.
However, few could have predicted the deduction turmoil that was to come, with heroes severely needed.
Well, a few stood up yesterday, and have deservedly drawn praise.
Yannick Bolasie sends message to Abdoulaye Doucoure
Yannick Bolasie joined Everton during a period of mass alteration, and was expected to be the marquee signing that propelled them to new heights.
After all, at the time his £30m acquisition marked a club-record fee.
He was coming off the back of one of his best seasons with Crystal Palace, and excitement had grown over having a true entertainer like him at Goodison Park.
That was, until disaster struck, and injuries curtailed a hugely-promising career.
Having since bounced around Europe in search of that spark, he has remained a keen supporter of the Toffees throughout.
Yesterday was no different, as he made sure to comment on Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Instagram post straight after the match to let his feelings known.
Offering few words, the three fire emojis did all the talking, indicating just how impressed he was with the £20m midfielder’s showing.
Abdoulaye Doucoure still needs to do more
Although Doucoure was much improved against Forest, it was still not the kind of performance that the fanbase had become accustomed to at the back end of last season and the start of this one.
After all, during that period he was one of the Premier League’s top-scoring midfielders, and now he is yet to find the net in ten league matches.
In fact, his assist against Forest, a five-yard pass which then saw Dwight McNeil fire home from range, marked his first goal contribution since early December.
One improvement he did make yesterday was his link-up, which has been called into question this campaign.
Often looking clumsy and unorganised, he refined his style against Forest and was key in orchestrating moves. However, he often remains the end of some attacks with his indecision.
Regardless, we all know that a top attacking midfielder remains inside him. Dyche just needs to coax it out again.