Andy Gray hits back as Richard Keys takes brutal swipe at Everton after what he’s seen
Richard Keys says Everton only have themselves to blame for being in a Premier League relegation scrap.
The Toffees were docked 10 points earlier this season and are in the bottom three after going seven games without a win.
Everton have failed to score in four of those matches and Keys would not be surprised to see them go down this season.
“That’s the mark of a team getting relegated,” he said on beIN SPORTS [10 February, 12:32pm]. “If you can’t score goals…”
Former Everton player Andy Gray added: “I’ve always said, even with those four wins, that I’m worried – 10 points deducted is a huge blow.
“Life would be a whole lot brighter without that deduction.”
Keys then interjected with: “Well, if they didn’t overspend and get themselves into trouble…”
To which Gray hit back with: “But Richard if there’s rules for one, let’s have rules for all.”
Premier League making an example of Everton
It is worth remembering that Everton would be 12th in the Premier League if not for the deduction, which they may yet have overturned.
From looking up towards the top half to instead being in an almighty scrap for survival, the magnitude of the punishment is now hitting home.
As Gray points out, the Premier League is seemingly going after Everton – and now Nottingham Forest – whereas others remain unpunished.
It is clear Gray is referring to the situation at Manchester City, who have been accused of breaking more than 100 rules.
That case will not be concluded until 2025, whereas Everton would have gone through two trials of their own before then.
On the field, Keys does have a point with regards to the lack of goals. The Toffees will go down if they do not score more freely than they currently are.
The visit of Crystal Palace presents a chance to change all that, but a bigger result could be forthcoming before then as the deduction appeal verdict is now imminent.
In other Everton news, an “excellent” youngster has been loaned out.
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