Shay Given predicts ‘nervy’ Everton Premier League finish on Match of the Day 2 after defeat v Manchester City
Shay Given believes Everton are in store for a “nervy” finish to the Premier League season and their fight against relegation will go down to the final round of fixtures.
After their thumping 5-1 victory against Brighton on the South coast last week, the Toffees crashed back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat to champions-elect Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday (14 May).
The loss leaves Sean Dyche’s side one point above Leeds United in 18th position and two clear of Leicester City in 19th place, with just two games of the season remaining.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Given issued his concerns for Everton, especially after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was taken off at half-time on Sunday (14 May) as a precaution.
“They got a big boost with that Brighton game, to score that many goals, they would have taken a draw beforehand, but to score so many goals and win the game,” he said [14 May, 17:50].
“Calvert-Lewin was an important part of that performance. I think they took him off because he was a risk, they want no risk and want him for the last two games.
“Everton are going to have a nervy finish, and I think it will go down to the last day of the season.”
Too strong
Although Everton started with plenty of heart and intent, Manchester City simply possessed too much quality on the day.
With a raucous Goodison Park crowd behind them and arriving full of confidence, the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure picked up where they left off against Brighton.
However, in the blink of an eye, it was 2-0, and Pep Guardiola’s side were in cruise control.
Despite falling to defeat and remaining a single point above the drop zone, Everton do still have the most favourable remaining two fixtures out of the teams in the relegation mix.
Dyche’s side will travel to the Molineux Stadium next week before squaring off against Bournemouth at Goodison Prak on the final day of the season.
Considering both these teams are theoretically on the beach, with Premier League survival confirmed and no fight for European football taking place, Everton will fancy their chances of picking up enough points to stave off the drop.