Paul Merson has now predicted if Everton will avoid relegation this season, stating that Sean Dyche’s side may be able to draw themselves out of trouble.
Everton came away from Selhurst Park with a 0-0 draw on Saturday and given Roy Hodgson’s side’s recent form, a point on the road was not to be sniffed at for the Toffees.
However, despite a decent result, Everton still ended the day in the relegation zone as Leicester City’s 2-1 over Wolves put the Foxes ahead of the Blues on goal difference, as interim manager Dean Smith takes his first three points as foxes boss.
Indeed, Everton find themselves in a precarious position as the business end of the season approaches and Paul Merson has stated his belief that Sean Dyche’s side will remain in the top flight.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Merson spoke to Sky Sports News after the game, saying: ‘’I think they could draw themselves out of relegation, with 4-5 draws. They are a difficult team to beat, they set up, they’re solid, and they don’t leave any space in behind. Their concentration levels are good and they never fell asleep.
If you are up against it and someone looks likely to fall asleep, Everton don’t look like that. It wasn’t a great spectacle but when you are down there it doesn’t have to be.
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The games they have got, I think they are nice games for them.”
Merson comments flattering to a troubled Everton both on and off the pitch
While Merson states that Everton never fall asleep, few would argue that the Blues are yet to wake up and have managed to sleepwalk into a second successive fight for Premier League survival.
Everton are the lowest scorers in the division though Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to fitness at the weekend was a welcome sight, with £15m summer signing Neal Maupay dropped to the bench.
Next up for the Toffees is the visit of high-flying Newcastle United to Goodison Park on Thursday evening – a fixture that Sean Dyche’s side must get something out of.