Gareth Barry has offered an honest assessment of Everton's 2020/21 Premier League campaign so far.
Carlo Ancellotti's men began the season on fire as they picked up four consecutive league victories and confidence was high after the impressive signing of James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's form, which helped the club hit some early heights.
But ahead of the clash at Burnley, Everton had only picked up one win from five matches, with the game at Turf Moor also starting negatively thanks to an early goal by Robbie Brady.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, however, did equalise and earn the visitors a point.
Barry, who was an Everton player from 2014 to 2017, was asked prior to the Burnley contest about what Ancellotti's side should be aiming for this season. Speaking to BT Sport in his Premier League pundit debut for the broadcaster, Barry explained that his former club should be aiming for at least the top six.
"I think they should be aiming higher than eighth, personally," Barry told BT Sport. "I really liked the signings over the summer. They strengthened up the midfield and that was needed.
"If Dominic Calvert-Lewin keeps scoring goals like he is, there is no reason why they cannot push for the top six. If they can get key players back such as in the full-back area which is affecting the system, they can push higher."
However, Barry does admit that recent form suggests his old club may not achieve a top-six spot. Asked whether Everton will finish in the top half, top eight, top four or top of the league, Barry responded: "Top eight."
Following the 1-1 draw at Burnley, Barry added: "They’ll be a little concerned about that run of games, one win in seven isn’t really good enough for where they want to be. Sometimes the tougher fixture can bring the best out of a team, so hopefully Everton can pick three points up in one of those games."
