Everton have been flirting with relegation for the past couple of seasons now and after four games in this new Premier League campaign, they sit on just one point. It’s their worst start to a season in their 145-year history. Here’s four reasons as to why they might be going down to this season:
Lack of goal threat
One of the main keys to success in football is having a talisman. Liverpool have Mo Salah, Man City have Erling Haaland, Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, Everton have…..Dominic Calvert-Lewin? It wasn’t too long ago that Everton were top of the league under Ancelotti and Calvert-Lewin was smashing goals in but a long list of injuries to the no.9 have prevented him from getting back to top form. He’s now become a liability for Everton. Richarlison rose to the occasion and was Everton’s main man but he was sold to Tottenham last summer. The Toffees bought Neil Maupay from Brighton for £15m but he only managed to score one goal. Everton did buy Udinese Striker Beta for £26m this August, he scored in Everton’s win against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup. Everton have only managed to score two goals in four games in the Premier League so far.
One dimensional coach
Sean Dyche is a man of great experience and brought tremendous success to Burnley. He certainly does enough to keep teams afloat but that’s it. He’s not the man to take a football club to the next level. He plays stubborn and lifeless football that slowly grinds points out but he’s struggled to make Goodison Park a feared place for teams like how he once did with Turf Moor. Going to Turf Moor on a wet and cold Wednesday night was abysmal for the away side, going to Goodison Park under Dyche is the equivalent of going for a nice stroll. Everton need a new way of playing, they’ve got enough quality to beat the drop this year, they just need a new face and fresh ideas.
Leaky defence
Fairly obvious point for a potential relegation side but still worth pointing out. Against the smaller teams Everton don’t concede many, especially at home. But more often than not they’ll get beat one or two nil as they did against Wolves and Fulham. It’s clear they’re struggling for goals but if they managed to shut-up-shop better than they might find themselves with more points on the board. Pickford produced wonderful heroics against Sheffield United. They’ve got a capable keeper on their hands. One of Everton’s big wins of last season came at the Amex where they beat Brighton 5-1. They played great counter attacking football. They soaked up the pressure and sucker-punched Brighton when they were most vulnerable. It’s a style that Everton should adopt more. Instead, it’s Everton who are getting hit on the counter this season and they’re suffering.
Lack of bench options
When Everton need a goal or a key player gets injured, it costs them because the quality on their bench is Championship level. If the first-team is struggling then Dyche has no hope because the players on the bench don’t serve him well. Dyche made two changes in the 2-2 draw against Sheffield United. The first came in the 75th minute. It’s clear he’s frustrated with Everton’s spending habits.
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