Everton boss Roberto Martinez has heralded his side's return to action this week as a "fresh start" after finally seeing the transfer window close.
The Toffees start to the season was overshadowed by Manchester United's high-profile pursuit of two of their star players in Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
Martinez felt the transfer window was an unsettling and unnecessary distraction at the start of the campaign and has been at the forefront of calls for the deadline to be brought forward in future.
Everton eventually lost Fellaini to United but did keep Baines and also managed to bring in Gareth Barry, James McCarthy and Romelu Lukaku on deadline day.
Since then the majority of the squad have been away on international duty and, now reconvened ahead of Chelsea's visit this weekend, Martinez feels the season is finally starting in earnest.
"We feel it is a fresh start for us," said the Spaniard, whose side have drawn their opening three Barclays Premier League games.
"The moment the window closed it felt a completely different environment around the football club.
"There is a real focus, it seems somehow the season starts now.
"Looking at where we are, I think we have done many good things in the previous three games but there is no hiding from the fact we are in need of points.
"Whenever you play a home game you take that as a real opportunity.
Source: PA
