Jonty Banks

Sun 16 April 2023 10:10, UK

Jeff Stelling has admitted Everton are in the “deepest of trouble” after their poor 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday (15 April).

Despite a bright start and a beautiful goal from Dwight McNeil, replies from Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson and Dan James ensured the Toffees succumbed to a second consecutive Premier League defeat.

Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, as shared via Football Daily, Stelling issued some words of warning for Sean Dyche’s side, who only remain above the relegation zone on goal difference with seven games of their season remaining.

“Everton started the day outside the relegation zone on goal difference, they stay there of course because Southampton have lost, Leicester haven’t played and Nottingham Forest haven’t played as yet,” he said.

“But they are in the deepest of trouble with some tough games to go.

“Palace away next and then Newcastle.”

Tough road ahead

Everton fans always knew it wasn’t going to be plain sailing after the sacking of Frank Lampard, and it seems like the club’s fight against relegation could go down to the wire.

After stringing together a four-match unbeaten run, including impressive results against Chelsea and Brentford, Dyche’s side have been sent crashing back down to earth in the last two weeks.

The loss to Manchester United was a little underwhelming, while the defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday was littered with defensive mistakes.

Such lapses in concentration are usually hard to find in Dyche teams from the past, and it would come as no surprise to hear that the Englishman gave the players the hairdryer treatment after the game.

The Toffees face a tough test next weekend against a rejuvenated Crystal Palace side under the guidance of Roy Hodgson before taking on a Newcastle team fighting for Champions League football.

This really wasn’t the result Everton fans wanted, and Dyche has a job on his hands trying to restore confidence after this crushing defeat.