The build-up to this match was dominated by conversations about who Everton failed to sign in the transfer window. Since their last league match - a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth eight days ago - they had sold attackers Iliman N'Diaye and Beto, while Nathan Patterson joined Torino. When on-loan Jack Grealish - once the most expensive British player of all time - took to the touchline on his return to the club, he appeared to be Everton's most likely route back into the game.