Everton are in for another season of struggles according to Richard Keys - and Andy Gray can only agree with him.
Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, Frank Lampard's side have taken one point from their opening three matches, after coming from behind to rescue a point with a late Demarai Gray goal against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Saturday.
But if relief was the initial reaction after avoiding a third straight defeat, former Sky Sports presenters Keys and Gray were in no mood to paper over the cracks.
READ MORE: Steve Cooper makes Everton admission after Morgan Gibbs-White transfer
READ MORE: Everton 'join race' to sign Ivan Toney as transfer moves for Manchester United duo mooted
Speaking after the game on beIN Sports, Keys said: “Well, Everton’s supporters will go home happy having forgotten about the first 80 minutes. I think the bottom line is we saw two very ordinary teams head to head and they will be two of this season’s strugglers.”
Everton legend Gray responded: “I’d like to form a positive argument to that but I can’t right now.”
“It wasn’t great was it?” added Keys.
Looking to switch the focus away from the Blues a little Gray said: “But it’s a good result for Forest, a newly-promoted side going to Goodison, even though Everton are the way they are, that’s a point.”
The Blues are in urgent need off additional attacking options with Brazilian Richarlison having left the club for Tottenham Hotspur and target man Dominic Calvert-Lewin currently out injured. Everton's young star Anthony Gordon could also be on his way out of the club to join Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side.
The young forward took a solitary stroll around Goodison Park at the end of Saturday's game, waving out the home crowd, suggesting that his days in an Everton shirt could be numbered.
READ NEXT:
Everton player ratings as Alex Iwobi shines and Demarai Gray stays cool
Frank Lampard substitution proves what he already knows about his Everton side
Tom Cannon enhances Everton reputation as Kevin Thelwell future plan hinted at
Why Frank Lampard has waited to get the signing he and Everton fans now want
