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Everton can still grasp European place, despite slump

By Paul Conatzer

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: James Rodriguez of Everton takes on Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: James Rodriguez of Everton takes on Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Despite only one victory for Everton in its last five matches, European football is still very much in the Blues’ grasp with six games left.

Sitting eighth in the Premier League, Everton are three points behind fifth-place West Ham. The Blues have 52 points and the Hammers are on 55. Liverpool is sixth on 54 points and Spurs sit seventh with 53 points, However, Everton has a game in hand. Fifth is a very attainable goal for the Toffees to secure a trip to the Europa League.

Depending on the results of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Europa League spots could go to sixth place. With FA Cup finalists Chelsea and Leicester City both likely to finish in the Top 4, it’s likely sixth place will get a Europa League spot.

The winner of the Carabao Cup will go into UEFA’s latest competition – The Europa Conference League in the playoff rounds. However, if the Carabao Cup winner (Manchester City) qualifies for another European tournament. Then seventh-place will test the waters of Europa’s new tournament.

Qualifying for Europe is a goal for Everton, manager Carlo Ancelotti told Sky Sports,

"“We’re still in contention and we’re going to be in contention until the last game,” the Everton boss vowed to Sky Sports. “The race will not be decided before. There are a lot of teams involved and a lot of matches still to be played. We still have to play against West Ham and we still must play Aston Villa twice.”"

The Blues beat Arsenal, 1-0, on Friday night. Their first win on the road against the Gunners since 1995-96. Saturday’s results helped Everton as Liverpool drew and West Ham lost. Everton plays Aston Villa on Saturday and then travels to East London to play the Hammers on the 9th of May. London should hold little fear for the Toffees as they have won four of the five games they have played in the Capital City. The only loss was to Chelsea.

While West Ham beat them 1-0 at Goodison in the league, the Blues do own a 4-1 Goodison thumping of the Hammers in the EFL Cup.

Poor home form has been a problem for Everton this season as it has been for many teams.  They have picked up only 19 points from 16 home games.

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The  Blues did look better in a 2-2 draw against Spurs in their last home game.  But for the Toffees to stay in hunt for Europe, it’s likely 4 wins are needed, 5 would be better and 6 would be best.

In addition to Villa and the Hammers, Sheffield United (h), Wolves (h) and Manchester City (a) to close out the season.

Everton will also face Villa again to make up a postponed game the date is yet to be determined. Five wins should give them fifth place and spot in the Europa League Group draw.

Versatile defender Ben Godfrey believes his team are still in the hunt for a Champions’ League despite Chelsea’s six-point lead. He told the Club’s Official Website,

"“Of course, the Champions League is in reach. It is a really difficult task, we know that, but we will keep fighting until the end. We have six big games, we will go into every one of them trying to win and giving 100 per cent, then see where we finish.”"

What do you think, can Everton finish fifth or even higher? 

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