Everton told they can ‘survive’ even with points deduction if they do one thing

Add as preferred source on Google

One of the most arduous weeks in Everton’s history is finally over, and with it comes newfound hope of a positive season after two truly terrible ones.

Having overseen the death of their chairman, only for reports to emerge of a potential 12-point deduction, Sunday’s win over West Ham United was much-needed, both for morale and safety.

It finally feels like something special is brewing at Goodison Park, set to make them a solid side once again capable of challenging further up the table.

However, that could all be thrown into jeopardy should that punishment come to fruition, with Sean Dyche likely seeking to make it so his side are so far clear of the drop that it passes without impact.

Former Scotland and Everton winger Pat Nevin has given his verdict on the situation, detailing how the club might handle the sanction, should it come true.

He told BBC Sport: ‘On top of that [Kenwright’s death], there were reports earlier this week that the Premier League will suggest Everton be docked 12 points if they are found guilty of breaking Financial Fair Play spending rules by an independent commission. That is not far off a relegation sentence.

‘These are dark times considering the club’s existing debts, the soaring costs of their unfinished new stadium, their limited squad, defeat to Liverpool last weekend, the relegations battles of the last two seasons… I could go on.

‘In short, the Toffees needed their old, much-loved boss David Moyes, to go light on them at London Stadium. Compassion usually stops at the white line and with the referee’s first whistle in football, but this time Moysie’s side were flat, and Everton capitalised.

‘Dominic Calvert-Lewin wrapped up the points with one swing of his right boot. A natural scorer was the difference once again. Everton’s other major problem is keeping ‘DCL’ fit. If they do that, they might just survive, even with a multiple-point penalty.’

How good is Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

The English forward’s importance to the Toffees has not gone unnoticed, with his absence arguably proving that over the last two years even more than his consistent presence had done.

After all, having scored 21 and assisted five across all competitions during the 2020/21 season, the 26-year-old announced himself as a marksman more than capable of shouldering their goalscoring burden.

So, to see him start just 30 matches across the entirety of the last two full Premier League campaigns has nullified their attack, having scored just 34 in the league last term, the second-lowest in the division.

It even took Dyche to go out and spend £30m on Beto, who has since moved into an understudy role, just to allow the former Sheffield United man the room to recover fully. Such an investment further outlines his importance.

To see him having since returned now, with four goals in his last six games, perhaps Calvert-Lewin’s continued presence in the starting side could coincide with an upturn in fortunes set to steer them well clear of the drop.