Everton ‘not ruled out’ of Europe race as Troy Deeney shares David Moyes masterclass
Everton are still in with a shout of Europa League football next season, according to Troy Deeney.
The Toffees beat Newcastle United 3-2 on Saturday afternoon, a result that leaves them within five points of sixth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Beto at St James’ Park, either side of Jacob Ramsey’s equaliser, gave David Moyes’ side the lead at the break.
The Magpies fought back in the second half, and Jacob Murphy levelled the scores once again with less than 10 minutes remaining, but Thierno Barry bundled in the winner moments later.
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Everton in European hunt
After their impressive win on Tyneside, Everton sit eighth in the Premier League table, sitting on 40 points with 10 games remaining of the season.
They are very much in with a chance of European football next season, just three points behind Brentford and five behind Chelsea.
Seventh place would likely secure them a Conference League spot, while sixth place could get them into the Europa League.
Writing in his weekly BBC Sport team of the week column, former Premier League striker Deeney believes that the Toffees could still catch Chelsea.
He was also full of praise for Moyes, highlighting how well the Everton manager has coped after a turbulent summer.
Deeney said: “Everton lost 13 players in the summer, moved stadium and lost key players throughout the season. Yet he (Moyes) keeps delivering performance after performance.
“They are five points behind Chelsea for a top-six finish. Don’t rule it out yet.”
Everton set for crucial run in Premier League
If Everton are to secure Europa League football next season, let alone qualify for the Conference League, then their upcoming run of games is crucial.
Moyes’ side welcome Burnley to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday evening as they look to bring a seven-game winless run at home to an end.
The Toffees then take on Arsenal, Chelsea and Brentford before a Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
| Date | Opponent |
| 3 Mar | Burnley (H) |
| 14 Mar | Arsenal (A) |
| 21 Mar | Chelsea (H) |
| 11 Apr | Brentford (A) |
| 18 Apr | Liverpool (H) |
Given they face four of the current top seven across the next five games, Everton could easily slide down the Premier League and into mid-table mediocrity.
However, if they can pick up a couple of big results over the next six weeks, then they will be firmly in the hunt for European football going into the final month of the season.
For more in-depth analysis on the Toffees, visit Football Insider.