According to striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Everton players will not allow the Premier League’s 10-point deduction to have an impact on their play.
Last week, Everton became the first Premier League team to lose points for breaking the regulations governing financial sustainability. Following an immediate deduction by an impartial committee, the Merseyside outfit fell from 14th to second-from-bottom.
According to Kevin Thelwell, the club’s director of football, Everton would use the deduction as “additional fuel” for the balance of the season.
Calvert-Lewin stated, “I expect the weekend to be no different – if not, more electric,” in advance of Sunday’s visit from Manchester United.
“The crowd will undoubtedly be prepared. As players, we’ll get ready in the same manner and make sure we’re prepared to play well and win the three points.
“Considering the situation, I believe there is a lot of solidarity and camaraderie. When the news emerged, we were away on the international break, but returning this week, I don’t think it has affected us players,” the 26-year-old continued.
“As a group, we are aware that we cannot change that. We are looking forward to the game on Sunday because it is all we can control right now.”
Everton has won four of their last seven league games and drawn one, and they have narrowly avoided relegation the past two seasons.