Everton’s chances of avoiding Premier League relegation has taken an upturn since Sean Dyche’s arrival as manager.
After succeeding Frank Lampard in the Goodison Park hot seat, the Toffees have successfully moved out of the bottom three - and up to 15th in the table.
Dyche has garned 11 points from his eight games in charge and optimism the drop will be avoided is growing.
Certainly, Dyche was dealt a difficult hand when he arrived on Merseyside. And he was not helped, through no fault of his whatsoever, by what proved a disastrous January transfer window.
While it was identified early on that attacking reinforcements were required, not a single fresh face arrived.
There’s was scarcely a shortage of players linked with moves to Goodison Park. In the final few days, a raft of names came on the radar - yet none a single on arrived.
Dyche has made marked improvements in the attacking areas, although it’s fair to say that supporters would have liked more options who could have been called on.
Since the window has shut. we take a look at how those players linked with the Blues have fared since.
5. Anthony Elanga
The Man Utd striker was linked early in the transfer window and Everton were still keen towards the deadline. Elanga has made just four substitute appearance since the window closed. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
6. Viktor Gyokeres
The Coventry striker has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. Six of those efforts have been since the window shut. | Getty Images Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
7. Beto
The Udinese striker was a reported target on deadline day. Beto has bagged twice in seven games since the start of February - and nine goals all season. | Getty Images Photo: Simone Arveda/Getty Images
8. Kamaldeen Sulemana
The winger joined relegation rivals Southampton for a club-record fee of £22m from Rennes. Sulemana has made eight appearances for the Saints but is yet to make a goal contribution. | Getty Images