Graeme Hanna

Mon 29 May 2023 11:10, UK

Jamie Carragher has slaughtered the Everton players for their standard of performances in recent times after the club secured its Premier League status, as shared by BBC Sport.

The Liverpool hero provided a local perspective on the struggles at Goodison Park as he warned the current squad not to celebrate avoiding the drop to the Championship too much, as it is the least they should be attaining.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s 57th-minute thunderbolt turned out to be the only goal of the game to give the Toffees the precious three points that they craved, in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth on the last day of the Premier League season.

Whilst Carragher acknowledged the job done by Sean Dyche and his squad to avoid relegation, he blasted the underachievement that has set in at Goodison.

“I am from the city and Everton haven’t punched above their weight for a long time. To be in this position for two years is awful,” he said.

“Those players got away with a lot because of the board. But in terms of the players they have been shocking, absolutely awful.”

Accurate assessment

The only way is up for Everton? That is obviously the objective but it is not guaranteed, after the similar position that the club occupied 12 months ago.

The difference is that Dyche knows what is required in order to make progress and to sort out a squad that has a dire lack of balance and options, particularly in attack.

Significant fresh investment into the club appears on the horizon and that will be the catalyst for change in the boardroom. Struggles and acrimony at the top table have led to an open revolt from the fans which has also contributed to the negative feeling at the club as reflected on the pitch.

Dyche’s leadership and acumen proved to be the focal point required by Everton but the players have been found wanting for too long in what was an accurate assessment from Carragher.

All Evertonians will breathe a sigh of relief today after a sustained period of pressure around the club.