Well, this match will come as no surprise to anyone in one particular respect. It's clear for all to see that Everton are in desperate need of a striker.
Frank Lampard might have played that down somewhat in his pre-match press conference ahead of this clash, but he will know that his side can't go on like this for much longer. The Blues actually created a fair few opportunities against Nottingham Forest and ultimately on another day could have won quite comfortably if chances had fallen to the right players, or different decisions were made.
Demarai Gray eventually was the one who slotted the ball home very late on to spare the hosts' blushes against a spirited newly-promoted opponent, but that can't be allowed to paper over the cracks. And, let's be honest, those cracks are getting bigger every week.
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Salomon Rondon, after clearly helping his side look much more effective following his introduction against Aston Villa last weekend, was given the start this time around. And, he had a similar effect.
Everton 's formation is in dire need of a focal point and, while the Venezuela international didn't get the chances to score that he might have liked, he did hold the ball up and bring his teammates into play with good effect. If those up front with him had been more alert to his aerial prowess on a couple of situations then the Blues might have had more openings.
But, the game seemed to change when he was brought off. Now, it must be said that the striker is probably lacking in match fitness and that is likely to be the reason he was removed - but the gameplan for the hosts suddenly seemed flawed.
Lampard's decision to put Dwight McNeil through the middle seemed strange to those watching on at the time and so it proved to be. He's still finding his feet at his new club, but it's fair to say that you'd hope his other performances won't come as a striker.
In the end Gray, who had looked relatively sharp for Everton throughout the game, latched on to a long ball from Jordan Pickford to strike the decisive blow to Forest - who will no doubt be hugely disappointed they didn't come away from Goodison Park with all three points.
That in itself should be much food for thought in the corridors of this stadium. Forest didn't necessarily play well, but still almost won this match against a toothless Everton.
There's still two league matches to go until the transfer window shuts, but the Blues can't afford to wait much longer to bring another striker to the club. Gray's goal was good, but not good enough to quell the burning desire for what is still such an important transfer for the Blues to make.
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