Pundit View: Everton in relegation battle without striker as PL points deduction verdict shared

Everton’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League has been a topic of intense discussion, especially with the looming possibility of a second points deduction due to a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) breach. The club has already been penalized with a six-point deduction earlier in the season and is bracing for the outcome of a second hearing, which could significantly impact their survival chances.

Dean Saunders, speaking on talkSPORT on April 5, 2024, expressed his views on Everton’s situation. He highlighted the importance of securing two more wins to ensure Premier League survival, barring any additional points deductions. Saunders praised Everton’s manager, Sean Dyche, for his efforts in navigating the team through these challenging times, despite the lack of a consistent striker. He pointed out Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought, which ended recently, as a critical factor that has been affecting the team’s performance.

Everton finds itself in a precarious position, with just a four-point buffer from Luton Town in the relegation zone and only eight matches left in the campaign. The relegation battle is expected to be fiercely contested, with Sheffield United and Burnley seemingly destined for the drop, leaving Everton to contend with Luton, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and possibly Crystal Palace for survival.

The team’s remaining fixtures include crucial matches against direct relegation rivals, offering Everton a realistic chance to secure the necessary victories to stay up. However, the potential of a second points deduction hangs over Goodison Park, casting uncertainty over the team’s fate.

Everton’s supporters continue to rally behind their team, and their support could prove instrumental in the club’s fight for survival. Calvert-Lewin’s recent goal against Newcastle United, his first since October, could also provide a much-needed boost for the team’s attacking prospects.

As the season approaches its climax, Everton’s ability to navigate through these challenges, coupled with the outcome of the second PSR hearing, will be decisive in determining their Premier League status[17].

Citations:
[1] https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2023/5/12/23720939/everton-final-fixtures-compared-premier-league-relegation-battle-leeds-leicester-forest-southampton
[2] https://theathletic.com/5133674/2023/12/14/how-dyche-has-improved-everton/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Everton/comments/18i7xoi/how_sean_dyche_turned_everton_into_one_of_the/
[4] https://theanalyst.com/eu/2024/03/who-will-be-relegated-from-the-premier-league-2023-24/
[5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cn3m0180emgo
[6] https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/12780394/premier-league-relegation-battle-will-leeds-leicester-or-everton-join-southampton-in-going-down
[7] https://talksport.com/football/1377073/premier-league-relegation-run-in-remaining-fixtures-key-clashes-leeds-everton-nottingham-forest-leicester-southampton/
[8] http://www.everton-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/premier_league_relegation_runin_remaining_fixtures_for_all_teams_971572/index.shtml
[9] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/sean-dyche-everton-premier-merseyside-crystal-palace-b2501026.html
[10] https://www.evertonfc.com/news/3931540/dyche-how-portugal-camp-can-benefit-blues
[11] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forests-toughest-fixtures-compared-9162275
[12] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/no-one-ready-sean-dyche-28784044
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozC2Sr-KogQ
[14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_in_English_football
[15] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/02/17/everton-jamie-ohara-explodes-at-premier-league-in-points-deduction-verdict-live-on-talksport/
[16] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-broke-transfer-record-striker-25019234
[17] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/02/17/dean-saunders-shares-everton-relegation-verdict-live-on-taksport-after-nottingham-forest-win/
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs_ZjfUE1ZI
[19] https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-fashanu-aston-villa-looking-15923519
[20] https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-worst-players-ever-wwfc-15122184