LIVERPOOL, England -- Sylvester Stallone is an Everton supporter and perhaps the most apt celebrity fan of any Premier League team. After all, the Hollywood actor built a career on rolling with the punches and hauling himself off the canvas as Rocky Balboa. His story has become the story of Everton, a club that doesn't know where the next punch is coming from.
For this season at least, Everton have been able to fight back and ready themselves for whatever new setback or challenge came their way. Having been hit with two separate points deductions by the Premier League for breaching financial regulations -- a 10-point penalty was reduced to six on appeal, while the club is challenging an additional two-point deduction -- Sean Dyche's team has rallied in recent weeks to pull clear of the relegation zone and seemingly secure their top-flight status.