Europe is still on! Yes, it’s going to be difficult and I think Everton will probably need the maximum points from the last three games but if they perform as they did in the second half against Manchester City then it’s definitely possible.
Despite the feeling of disappointment thanks to Jeremy Doku’s 97th minute equaliser, the battling qualities of this Everton squad, which has been evident for most of this season, was again a real pleasure to see.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton settle for a point? 🤝
There were a number of positives too with really strong performances by Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl in particular, both players really stated their case for more game time and starting matches.
- READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg explains why Everton did not get a penalty for Bernardo Silva’s foul on Merlin Rohl
David Moyes still learning about some of his Everton players
It’s strange too that with just three games remaining we still have questions as to whether a number of players will come good and offer something with next season in mind.
Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou and Carlos Alcaraz are three players fans need to know more about, there is a question mark over all three, are they good enough? Is there a strategy of playing them sparingly? What is the next move for them?
With around £55m spent on those players there needs to be a clear understanding as to where they fit into the manager’s plans as we head to a crucial summer of recruitment, and together with the Thierno Barry conundrum many questions remain.
Do we all owe this man an apology after his performance against Man City? 👀
Credit where it's due, he was absolutely fantastic! 👏
It was great to see Barry bag a brace when he replaced Beto after 64 minutes against City and hopefully that goes some way to repairing some of the damage done over the away tickets episode and his perceived weaknesses.
There was certainly no question regarding his determination and enthusiasm when he came on, the frustration remains that he can be a threat and score goals, albeit consistency is a concern.
European qualification is still on for Everton… just
Talking to a number of Evertonians at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday the question also remained whether European qualification would be a good thing should it happen, as I’ve said before I don’t think you can pick and choose whether you qualify or not, it’s incumbent on everyone at the club to rise to that challenge and adapt accordingly to any progress that is made this season
There is a fine line between success and failure in the Premier League and there is no clearer indication of that than the position Everton find themselves in right now, win the remaining games and the season has been a relative success, lose them and the fragility will return amongst the fans.
It’s feasible that Leeds United and Nottingham Forest could finish above Everton, two clubs that have been fighting to keep their heads above the danger line this season and for me that wouldn’t feel right considering everything that has happened in this campaign, there is a feeling around Everton that progress has been made but a poor finish could damage that.
One thing is for sure on the evidence of the performance against City that looks unlikely and I think there is a lot to be pleased about this season, that can’t be allowed to just fade away, evoking the fears of seasons gone by, and with three to go there is everything to play for, not only a European place but perception and reputations.
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