DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN vows that while ten points may have been taken away from Everton nobody can break the team’s spirit.
He insists the Prem penalty imposed for breaching profit and sustainability regulations has only made the Toffees stronger for Sunday’s visit of Manchester United.
And that the shock sentence now under appeal by the Goodison hierarchy has further galvanised a set of players who fought through last season’s battle against the drop.
Boss Sean Dyche’s side have dropped from 14th position to second-bottom but DCL insists : “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.
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“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.”
The striker is certain that the famously hostile reception to visitors within Goodison will be ramped up even more as a far more desperate survival campaign kicks off - especially as some fans are expected to protest the points deduction with an X-rated chant.
England front man Calvert-Lewin stresses : “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."
Dyche’s men have been on an unbeaten run since Calvert-Lewin scored in a 1-0 win at West Ham last month.
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That victory began a run of seven points from three league while they also reached the Carabao Cup last eight by beating Prem rivals Burnley.
The 26-year-old added: “Confidence is as high as it can be, and as high as it should be.
“We’re taking the momentum into this weekend, and not letting the external things that we can’t really affect have an impact on us in the camp.
“We have to focus on how we have been winning games and how we have been playing well.
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“The United game should be no different.”