Paul Merson predicts Everton vs Brentford result after Arsenal loss wasn’t ‘the end of the world’
Paul Merson has predicted Everton will pick up another defeat at Brentford amid a rough start to the Premier League campaign.
The Sky Sports pundit said in his Sportskeeda predictions column (21 September) that while the 1-0 loss to Arsenal last week wasn’t “the end of the world” it is the two 1-0 home defeats to Wolves and Fulham that will “come back to haunt them”.
He sees the Bees as a “fantastic team” even without suspended striker Ivan Toney, and expects them to run out 2-0 winners on Saturday (23 September) against a Toffees side that are “well behind the eight-ball” after one point from 15 so far.
Merson said: “Brentford were very unlucky last week but I expect them to bounce back with a comfortable win against Everton. They are a fantastic team even without Ivan Toney and have already shown this season that they can’t be taken lightly.
“The Toffees, on the other hand, are really struggling at the moment – it’s not looking good for them. A 1-0 loss to Arsenal isn’t really the end of the world for them, but defeats against Fulham and Wolves will come back to haunt them later in the season.
“They’re well behind the eight-ball and must pull up their socks in the coming weeks to climb up the table.”
Wait goes on?
Everton going to Brentford and winning would certainly be unexpected given the struggles at the club and the fact that their opponents currently appear to be the polar opposite in most regards.
But Sean Dyche can’t be taking his players into these games assuming they are already beaten, and with the only point recorded this season picked up on the road it might be that there is less pressure away from home.
If the Toffees are now wilting at Goodison Park it would represent a major switch from recent seasons when the home form felt like their one chance to escape danger.
But amid bad results on the pitch and never ending upheaval off it the expectation for the Evertonians to lift the players week after week is unsustainable.
Somehow Dyche needs to instil some belief in the squad from the inside and get them functioning as a cohesive unit.
They will likely have their backs against the wall in West London this weekend, but it was only four months ago when Everton went to Brighton, another side getting plenty of plaudits currently, and came away with a stunning 5-1 victory, so Toffees fans will live in hope still.
In other Everton news, a “valid concern” warning has been issued over the potential sacking of the manager at Goodison.