Alan Shearer has admitted he isn’t surprised by a shocking start to the Premier League season by Everton.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former striker claimed ‘you don’t have to be a genius’ to know that the Toffees are in for a very difficult campaign in the top flight.
Shearer’s comments come following Everton’s second defeat in as many games as they were thrashed 4-0 by Aston Villa.
Sean Dyche’s side put on a promising performance despite their narrow loss to Fulham on the opening day, however there were very few positives to take from a horrific display at Villa Park at the weekend.
Everton now sit bottom of the Premier League table and are yet to score their first goal, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks set for yet another spell on the sidelines following a collision with Emiliano Martinez in the first half.
Shearer believes the concerns around Everton’s future in the top flight were very clear all summer, with the club still waiting on the arrival of a proven goalscorer during the transfer window.
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Speaking on the podcast, Shearer said: “We said before ball was kicked, you don’t have to be a genius to know it’s going to be a long hard season for them and from what I’ve seen from their opening two games, it’s going to be exactly that.
“They’re desperate for someone to put the ball in the back of the net. Yesterday [Sunday] was a worry.”
How will Everton fare over their next five games in the Premier League?
Everton arguably couldn’t have start to the new campaign any worse and it should come as a great relief to them that they have Wolves and Sheffield United to come.
The Toffees certainly won’t be favourites after their recent performances, but it is the chance to pick up six points and get fans back on their side.
A home clash with Wolves this weekend should be a comfortable win for Sean Dyche’s side if they are at their best and the Toffees boss will hope Arnaut Danjuma can come up with the goods in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.
Their trip to Bramall Lane will be the first outing after transfer deadline day, meaning Dyche should have a number of new signings available to him.
Assuming they have a new striker up top such as Che Adams, Everton should be able to scrape another three points against the newly promoted side.
Everton will also be hopeful of maximum points against Luton Town at the end of September, though matches against Arsenal and Brentford may prove a lot more difficult.