Rafa Benitez thinks Everton are progressing well given their transfer and injury constraints.

The Toffees are currently ninth on the table with 14 points after nine Premier League games this season.

And new manager Benitez is pleased with how his side have handled the campaign so far.

"The starting point is that this team finished 10th last year," said Benitez ahead of Monday's clash with Wolves.

"We didn't spend too much [in the transfer window] and we are missing some key and very important players. Considering all these things, still we are doing well.

"Something that has happened in my teams [during my managerial career] is little by little we get better and better and we finish the season quite strong. I have confidence we can do it but I have said so many times: Rome was not built in one day.

"We are trying to improve things in every department and little by little we will see that. Now, without important players, we have to manage – and we have done really well. We cannot forget about the games we won and the way we won.

"We have to be sure we are working on the mentality, the approach and tactics to give the players the belief and confidence that will be crucial for us during the season."