More touches in the opposition box, more possession, dominated Everton for large spells, most importantly scored less goals which is all that matters in the end.
There are many deals that are all but agreed months in advance, too: clubs track, they look at the data, they speak to intermediaries.
It's only the final price and terms that are agreed near the end, and that's because it will rely on players...
I agree.
I don’t understand those who think the manager watches Futbol Mundial one night and go “yes we’ll go for him” as if there’s no scouting department.