Everton’s European football hopes could be all but over after the draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend.
David Moyes’ side again dropped points from a winning position to only take one point away from Selhurst Park, on a frustrating day for the club.
Everton really needed to win to stay in the conversation.
Has that just ended Everton’s hopes of European qualification? 😫
More points dropped by the Blues… 😡
But now they have a mountain to climb, with two victories likely needed from the last two games and rivals may also need to drop points.
Everton have come into poor form just at the wrong time, with key players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye fluffing their lines in front of goal.
What’s been particularly alarming is the loss of defensive solidity, and Moyes has now just matched an unwanted record.
- READ MORE: David Moyes’ comments after Everton 2-2 Crystal Palace must be irritating to hear for fans
Everton have become porous as David Moyes equals Carlo Ancelotti record
Frustratingly, Everton have seen one of their biggest strengths turn into a weakness over the past few weeks.
The Toffees have been known for being a tough nut to crack, with steel and solidity two key principles of a David Moyes team.
But Everton have been shipping goals left, right and centre – and a new statistic further emphasises just how poor things have been.
As relayed on X by EFC Statto, Everton have now conceded two or more goals in five consecutive Premier League games. It’s the first time this has happened within a single season since October-November 2020, when the club went on a six-game run.
That was when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge, with the Italian overseeing the following results:
- Everton 4-2 Brighton – 03/10/20
- Everton 2-2 Liverpool – 17/10/20
- Southampton 2-0 Everton – 25/10/20
- Newcastle 2-1 Everton – 01/11/20
- Everton 1- 3 Man United – 07/11/20
- Fulham 2-3 Everton – 22/11/20
So, two more goals shipped against Sunderland this weekend would see the Scot match that run Ancelotti went on – something he’ll be very keen to avoid.
Jarrad Branthwaite injury is hurting Everton
One possible factor behind Everton’s loss of form in defence could be the injury to Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Englishman had been in fine form after returning from the hamstring injury that saw him miss the first half of the season.
Since he went off against Liverpool, Everton have been so porous at the back, with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane’s lack of pace particularly alarming.
Branthwaite’s height and aerial prowess is arguably also being missed.
Everton will likely miss out on European football now and when the dust settles and people come to properly analyse why the Toffees missed out, Branthwaite’s injury is sure to get a few mentions.
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