Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that the team have lost their element of surprise this season.

The Toffees impressed during Roberto Martinez's first campaign as manager in the 2013-14 season, but this time around, they are 14th in the table and just six points above relegation.

"Last year we clicked right away," Howard told Sports Illustrated. "This year teams have had time to prepare for us. We're not a new entity anymore. They've tried different ways to defend us.

"It's a long, gruelling season, and really, you're only judged at the end. It doesn't matter what gets said in between."

Despite Everton's lacklustre form in the Premier League, the Merseyside outfit are going strong in the Europa League as they prepare to face Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 on Thursday.