With wins over top of the table Arsenal and Leeds United, Everton appeared to be heading in the right direction under the guidance of Sean Dyche.
The former Burnley manager replaced Frank Lampard and steered The Toffees to crucial victories at home over Arsenal and Leeds United and there was strong belief Everton’s season had turned a corner. However, back-to-back defeats against Liverpool, who have been struggling themselves, and Aston Villa, have seen Everton drop back into the relegation zone.
"It's a tough one to take because there was a lot of good signs today."The manager shares his thoughts on #EVEAVL: pic.twitter.com/KhXP8m5r3y— Everton (@Everton) February 25, 2023
"It's a tough one to take because there was a lot of good signs today."The manager shares his thoughts on #EVEAVL: pic.twitter.com/KhXP8m5r3y
At the time of writing, Everton are in 18th place on 21 points. They have played the same number of games as all the teams around them and only Southampton have fewer points than Everton this season.
Everton failed to find the back of the net at home against Aston Villa in their most recent Premier League fixture and that means they have scored only 2 goals in their 5 most recent fixtures, all of which have come in the Premier League.
With only 17 goals to their name in the Premier League this season, Everton are the lowest goal scorers in the league, with even bottom of the table Southampton scoring more goals.
Defensively, Everton are one of the better teams in the lower half of the table. The Toffees have conceded 32 goals this season and Southampton, Bournemouth, Leeds United, Leicester City, and Nottingham Forest all have significantly worse defensive records.
The trouble facing Everton for the remainder of the campaign is the fact goals win games and right now, Everton are struggling to find the back of the net.
England international striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot stay fit and has just 1 goal to his name this season. Neal Maupay has just one goal in his last 28 games in the Premier League and missed one of the best opportunities for Everton to score in their most recent fixture against Aston Villa.
Everton’s next fixture is away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, a team currently 4 points ahead of Everton in 13th place. A win at the City Ground would see Everton move to within 1 point of Nottingham Forest but you must score goals to win matches.
Having sold Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United in the January transfer window, Everton failed to bring in a replacement. Gordon was one of Everton’s greatest attacking threats and they lost him without plugging the gap.
There are also issues off the pitch at Goodison Park with the owners advised to stay away from home matches over fears for their safety. Everton supporters marched outside the stadium in protest of the owners before the game against Aston Villa and not for the first time this season.
There is no doubt Everton are in a relegation battle this season and the lack of goals coupled with the troubles off the pitch means this is going to be a tough final few months of the season for the club.