Everton and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has become the first Toffees player to respond to the news of the club’s ten-point deduction for breaking the Premier Leagues financial rules.
The points deduction dropped Everton from 14th spot on the table to 19th, where they are level on points with bottom club Burnley – but with a vastly superior goal difference.
Now, as Everton prepare to face another club that is not where they would like to be on the table, Manchester United, Calvert-Lewin says he thinks the deduction will galvanize the team.
Speaking to the Everton website ahead of Sunday’s game against United he said: “I think, given the circumstances, I’ve sensed a lot of unity and togetherness.
“We were off on the international break when the news broke, but coming back in this week, I don’t feel like it’s fazed us players.
“We know, as a group, we can’t affect that. All we can affect is what’s in front of us, and that’s the game on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to that,” he said.
Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 50 goals from 190 games for Everton went on to say that the Toffees were looking forward to the challenge of facing Manchester United. “I’ve played in a lot of games against United at Goodison, and the atmosphere is always incredible.
“I expect the weekend to be no different – if not, more electric.
“I’m sure the fans will be ready. Us as players, we’ll prepare the same as normal and make sure we’re ready to put in a performance and collect the three points,” he said.
