Following Brentford’s 4-2 defeat at West Ham United on Monday evening, Bees captain Christian Norgaard issued a pretty strong response to Everton’s ongoing points case.
Everton‘s 10-point deduction has been a talking point throughout the season, with many feeling it was excessively harsh.
Whilst the Merseyside club did admit to breaching Premier League rules, the punishment seems far greater than the crime and it left Sean Dyche‘s side in a perilous position.
The Toffees appealed the sanction and on Monday were handed back four points, lifting them from 17th to 15th. Though, they still may be docked more points following a charge dating back to last season.
Norgaard has given his verdict on the situation.
Christian Norgaard hits out at Premier League
Following Brentford’s bruising defeat to The Hammers earlier this week, Norgaard expressed his frustration at Everton’s case.
“It’s hard for me to comment on these deductions,” The Bees midfielder told Sky Sports. “Somewhere, someone is sitting with a calculator and putting in points, taking away points. I don’t know. It’s people’s jobs, people’s lives they’re messing with.
I don’t know what’s going on, to be fair. We have to focus on us, not on Everton. I’m sure we will improve and I’m sure we will find ourselves safe in the Premier League when all is said and done, but there are things we have to talk about and improve.”
Quite clearly, if it’s playing on the mind of a Brentford player, it must be especially distracting to Dyche and his players, so they must stay focused heading into the business end of the campaign with a lot to play for.
Everton must block outside noise
Whilst Norgaard’s defence of the club is certainly a welcome one for Everton, the players have to block out any external noise, as there’ll be plenty of that over the coming weeks with the additional sanction still lingering.
The Toffees now have a five-point buffer to 18th-placed Luton Town but must remain intent on increasing that gap.
Having endured a relegation battle the previous two campaigns, fans will be desperate to avoid another nail-biting end to the season.
Twelve games remain and each one will feel like a cup final for the Toffees, who are back in action this weekend.
Everton play host to West Ham United on Saturday at Goodison Park in what promises to be a raucous atmosphere.
Dyche’s side were victorious in the previous meeting this term, winning 1-0 at the London Stadium, so they’ll have the chance to complete the double over the European hopefuls.
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