Everton, in Gary Neville’s opinion, have lost their fighting spirit and allowed a “dreary” mentality to take hold at the football team.
During the matchup between the two teams on Sunday afternoon, Sean Dyche’s team was unable to put a glove on Arsenal. As a result, the visitors returned to the capital with all three points thanks to a strong effort from Leandro Trossard.
The Blues’ defeat has left them in 18th place in the Premier League, with four losses in five games, and facing the possibility of a third straight relegation struggle.
Neville has been left in no doubt that things have turned sour at Everton as supporters struggle to maintain optimism. There was little to cheer about for the home supporters in attendance at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon, who have now watched Fulham, Wolves, and Arsenal each claim a 1-0 victory on their home patch since the season started.
What number of persons were present? 40,000? On the Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender opened by saying, “36,000 or 37,000 of them were Everton fans. “This is a fantastic field, and I used to love playing here; we had fantastic battles, it was an up-and-at-’em type of game, and there was a great spirit,” he continued. It simply seems gloomy. Let’s be clear: it is. They are surviving on leftovers and the football is a little dull. Who or what are they clinging to? What are the Everton fans looking forward to when they attend the game?
Neville has stressed that there will be “big problems” for Dyche should important players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggle to remain available for selection throughout the course of the season. Neville is unconvinced that Everton is showing any real signs that they have what it takes to pull off another Premier League relegation escape.
Neville added, “They are hanging on by the skin of their teeth in every respect in the previous couple of seasons. They will have easier games going forward and we will find out if they will stay up. “You are seeking indications of their potential to impress and develop. They’ve gotten off to a terribly bad start, but it’s too early to say. They’ll have major issues if they don’t maintain their guys healthy.
