Everton has one of the best records in top-flight football, having been at the top level for all but four seasons since the creation of the football league in 1888. Their run in the top flight of English football has lasted 1954 but this season they’re facing the impending threat of relegation. Currently, the Blues are sitting in 18th, in serious danger of spending next season in the Championship with just five games remaining. Everton fans have been through a lot recently what with their Merseyside rivals in the running for a historic quadruple and relegation would cap off what has been an awful season for them.
Most pundits have rated Everton’s chances over the past few seasons, predicting them to fight for midtable or challenge for Europe. With a billionaire owner in Farhad Moshiri splashing the cash on new signings, many predicted Everton to break into the top four just a few seasons ago. This optimism was doubled when the club appointed Carlo Ancelotti as manager and signed the likes of James Rodriguez and Moise Kean. However, Ancelotti left for Real Madrid after one season, and many of Everton’s biggest signings have failed to impress. Watford and Norwich have already had their relegations confirmed, so the fight to survive is between Leeds, Everton, and Burnley. Betway currently has Everton as second-favorites to be relegated, although they have a relatively easier run of fixtures.
How Has Everton’s Season Been So Bad?
Everton has faced a number of problems this season that has seen the club slide down the table and into the relegation zone. The biggest issue by far has been the number of injuries the team has suffered from. While injuries affect all sides in the Premier League, few have to deal with as many as the Blues. The side’s talismanic striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored sixteen goals in the league last season has been out for most games this season. Other players who have missed valuable game time include Yerry Mina, Richarlison, and Andre Gomes.
Aside from injuries, Everton have also suffered due to managerial appointments. After losing Carlo Ancelotti, the club was never going to find a suitable replacement. However, in appointing Rafa Benitez, things definitely got worse. Benitez has an excellent track record in the Premier League, but as one of Liverpool’s previous managers, he wasn’t a popular choice among fans. He also failed to produce decent results, with his sacking coming as Everton hovered just above the relegation zone. Lampard was brought in as his replacement, and he’s also struggled with the size of the task. Lampard’s lack of experience at this level is showing and it’s uncertain whether the team will stick with him once the season is over.
What Chance Does Everton Have of Survival?
While Everton are currently in the relegation zone, there are still five games left to be played. They face Watford, Leicester, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Arsenal. Of the two teams also facing relegation, they have one of the easiest run ins and have a game in hand. While they do have to face a top-six opponent in Arsenal, that’s on the final day of the season, when they could be safe.
In their last few games, Everton have looked like a different side, being more combative than ever and showing that they’re not ready to go down without a fight. This attitude is everything in a relegation scrap, especially when they come up against teams whose season may already be over. The likes of Richarlison will need to be firing on all cylinders, and it’s also good to see their defence and goalkeeping improving. They’ve beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in the last few weeks, and if they keep showing this spirit, they certainly have a fighting chance.
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