Positive stats for Everton improvement

Luke Reddy, BBC Sport

Everton rank second in the Premier League for shots this season.

Sean Dyche's side are 16th in the table but only league-leaders Tottenham have had more shots on goal.

The Toffees aren't just firing from range either, as their crossing statistics also point to them being a side on the front foot. In all - and including corners - they have delivered 177 crosses this season. Only Luton have more on 196.

Given their league position in relation to their efforts on goal, it signifies Dyche's side are a little wayward with their shooting. They have hit the target with 43.56% of efforts - only six teams are worse off in that metric.

If Beto can find the target more it will help, with the towering front man hitting the target just once from 13 shots.

Encouragingly, if Everton can become more accurate in front of goal, they look set to earn some significant results.

That's because at the other end they are not exactly under siege. The Blues have faced 91 shots this season. Only Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have faced fewer.

Slightly worryingly, their save percentage of 62.5% is third-worst in the league at this early stage.

So if stats are your thing, a little more accuracy in front of goal and a bit more resistance from Jordan Pickford should go a long way in pushing the club up the table.

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