Heading into the new Premier League season, there was a lot of hype and expectation surrounding Everton.
Here the Toffees stood, boosted by a tandem of Carlo Ancelotti and James Rodriguez. It really does feel like we're living in some ulterior universe.
The Merseysiders always usually have a degree of anticipation coming into a new campaign, but this season, it actually feels warranted.
They have done well in the transfer market and their performance against Tottenham on Sunday showed there are plenty of reasons to be excited.
Everton may have only won 1-0, but they created chances aplenty on their way to sealing an important three points.
It was only the opening game, but this felt like a statement win already.
Everton really aren't here to mess around this season.
It may come as a surprise to see that Ancelotti's side are still in the market to sign more players.
They have added three new bodies to their squad and the balance of the side now looks far more impressive.
That being said, Marcel Brands remains eager to bolster the team - who can blame him given their current manager?
According to Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton want to sign Rafinha from Barcelona this summer.
Everton were linked with a move for the attacking midfielder last month but despite their summer additions, are still keen on adding him to their ranks.
Arsenal and West Ham are also in the race to sign him but they will have to pay around €15m (£13.8m) to bring him to the Premier League.
GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...
This could complete Everton's midfield. Rafinha is an incredibly bright player and may add even more steel to the Toffees' line-up.
It was thought that James would play behind the striker but against Spurs, he played on the right-wing and supported both Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in forward areas.
He made an absurd five key passes throughout the match, setting the tone for what could be an outstanding first campaign in English football.
The additions of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure will give Everton a solid base in midfield but if they want someone who can free up the latter, look no further than Rafinha.
Former Barcelona defender Andreu Fontas describes him perfectly: "Rafinha is a great player. Physically, he is a beast and, technically, he is superb."
A perfect box to box midfielder, the Brazilian won 2.4 tackles per game last season, more than Doucoure managed - 1.7.
The ex-Watford man began to play as a number 10 last term so perhaps that's what Ancelotti could start doing if he signs Rafinha. Either way, he'd have a wealth of options to choose from in the middle of the park.