As we head into the final third or so of this years edition of the Premier League, former Everton legend Andy Gray has warned The Toffees that they are heading towards a relegation scrap. This comes on the back end of comments that he made a month ago where he insisted that they need not worry about the prospect. However, on current form he has rescinded those sentiments. His statements to talkSPORT are as follows:
“They need to start winning games somewhere and I don't see where that is.
"It is two tough, tough games [coming up]. Maybe they will play better away from Goodison, the pressure might be a little less.
"They might enjoy Arsenal, they will let them play, but Stoke is never an easy place
when you need to go and get a result, and they do.
"I said about a month ago I don’t include Everton in the relegation candidates but if the results keep going like this, they are going to be drawn in.”
From a viewers perspective there are very few positives to take from this season at Goodison Park. The defense has been poor, offensively they are misfiring, Roberto Martinez seems inexperienced all of a sudden and even the support has not been good enough. The fact that Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka have remained as professional as ever may be the only positive that I can confidently expect most could take from this years campaign. So, although it would seem completely intangible, relegation should probably be more of a concern than it currently seems to be.
Of course, changes can be made to improve their odds of survival. Tim Howard has had a very poor season. After his performance against Leicester on Saturday I think that Martinez needs to be strong and drop him for Joel Robles, who kept three of four clean sheets while replacing the American during a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Personally I think that his time with the United States is nearing an end as well with Brad Guzan almost sure to take over for the next big tournament. Mirallas also needs more playing time in my opinion and in order to sure things up in the midfield I would play Darren Gibson in a slightly more advanced defensive role alongside Gareth Barry, who no longer has the legs to play more than five yards ahead of the back four. His yellow card record this season shows that.
The season should not end with relegation. But, things need to change for Everton. They are much too talented a side to be at the bottom. In that same regard, Martinez is much too talented a manager to keep things on the current course. He must be brave enough to make a big decision this upcoming week.
Source: DSG
