Everton are one of the true established teams in the Premier League, having been a permanent fixture since the inception of the league in 1992. However, the Toffees came under threat for the first time in almost 20 years of falling out of the top flight. Frank Lampard’s men were in peril heading into the final weeks of the campaign, but just managed to dig themselves out of trouble with one game to spare as Burnley took the drop into the Championship.
The danger remains for Everton after losing Richarlison to Tottenham, leaving them without their top-scorer from the last campaign. Lampard’s men are backed in the odds on the main football competitions to be relegated from the Premier League at 7/2, presenting value for bettors who believe that the Toffees could be in trouble. A look at the predictions in the football tips from industry experts suggest that Everton are among the contenders with the newly-promoted sides, Leeds, Brentford and Southampton.
Lampard did enough to steer the Toffees clear of the relegation zone last season, but his performances in the dugout were far from perfect. The former England midfielder managed to rally his team for the major games against top opposition, notably beating his former club Chelsea and Manchester United at Goodison Park along with a fine victory over Leicester City on the road. However, defeats to Brentford, Burnley and Arsenal on the final day of the campaign highlighted their deficiencies under Lampard.
The 44-year-old needs to cultivate a stronger defensive effort from his players after shipping cheap goals, particularly against the Gunners on the final day and their loss to Brentford. The signing of James Tarkowski from Burnley will certainly help their rearguard effort, providing experience and nous. There is also the danger of signing a player from a relegated club, with Tarkowksi potentially carrying the scars of that campaign with the Clarets.
Everton have completed the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer following the expiration of his Burnley contract
The defender has signed a four-year deal until the end of June 2026
Good move? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qzHgHkpN1U
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 2, 2022
The policy carries a massive risk for Lampard, who seemed mightily relieved at the end of the season that he managed to steer the club away from the bottom three just in time. However, his comments about being in a relegation battle from the off will hardly boost the confidence of his players. The last thing Everton need after losing Richarlison is for a malaise to set in with their remaining key men. The fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin was an issue throughout the last campaign, placing a lot of pressure on Richarlison to fill the void. The Brazilian was outstanding leading the line, and now he has moved on, Everton are faced with the monumental task of finding a replacement.
There are talented players at the club, but there is a lot of pressure to take the next step and become regular goal-scorers in the Premier League. Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have experience in the Premier League, but are hardly prolific, while there are not many sure-fire answers from the younger players in the ranks despite their potential. It will be a firm test of Lampard’s managerial skills if he wants to avoid becoming the latest man to face the axe from the Goodison Park dugout.
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