Premier League – Matchweek 34

Jaysus... the BBC saying Man Utd are "a shambles, an absolute shambles, aren't they"... defenders ball-watching, blah blah.

Hey fella, if they are an absolute shambles...

I thought the Arsenal goal was a good piece of attacking and the key – following up to take advantage of the parried save. Simples. Little to do with poor defending. Okay, someone let the ball bounce right past them for the initial shot. A mistake, and if anything, proof he wasn't "ball-watching".

How many times did they look at that? Right decision mind. I guess there is no advantage as it's offside without the penalty being awarded.

All we ask for is consistency. That Burnely goal when the player held the defending player down with hands on either shoulder; all that was missing was the step ladder.

They're latching onto Rangnick Michael. He's been very vocal about the state of the United squad (compared to where they want to be).

Game on before I even finished editing!!

It was a strange one, Danny.

Back in the day, if a foul was committed by a defender before a goal was scored, didn't they just let the goal stand, rather than rewind for the penalty?

And Ronaldo scores... Arsenal defence ball-watching?

Michael,

I think the player who scored was in an offside position and that is why they looked at the foul for the penalty.

If it wasn't for the offside goal, the foul wouldn't've gone to the VAR. Once the VAR had seen it, it had to be VARred. If you get it.

To flip the coin, why didn't they look at both in Burnley v Southampton? All they looked at was whether the player close in the offside position shorts touch the ball. But there was a foul by the goalscorer??

Just had a look and the cabal still believes we'll be ok.

The bookies seem to favor Burnley going down, not us, by just a smidge, even with Burnley beating Southampton.

I know we're playing "them" tomorrow, but it would seem equally important is Wolves beating Burnley.

Penalty for Utd and Fernandes scores / misses.

What a pathetic penalty by Fernandes.

Are you sure, Bill?

You watching a different fernandes, Bill?

There is using your arms to jump and then there is jumping with your arm in the air. Stonewall as they say.

Casual penalty. I'm not a fan of these dancing run ups.

Leeds are not out of it. Villa, despite their form look to have done enough. And besides, they play Burnley twice. So I don't want them involved even have been dropping like a stone lately.

Let's just hope City are on 80 points this evening.

What a save that was from Ramsdale.

Strange game for Shambles Utd. How many goals should they have now???

No surprise to see McTominay in a bit of a scuffle!

What a goal! Arsenal deserve that one.

Classic case of not taking your chances or them not going in (luck).

United on top then hit by a sucker punch.

Beauty of a strike. I love those ones when the ball doesn't even rotate as it drives through the air.

Shithouse tackle that. Not a red?

FFS, that should be a red for Fernandes.

Fernandes should have got a red card there for a late challenge.

Late and studs showing, Bill. How much more evidence does the VAR need to send off one of the so-called Big 6 players?

There are more cards being given out here than in a poker game,

Bruno gets a pass and Mcilneny gets a card. That is obvious evidence of incompetence and the continual incompetence implies bias.

Compare that tackle to the red card Allan got, Fernandes intentionally carried through long after the ball had been play. He knew what he was doing and it was ment to injure. Why was it not a red? If ever there was a clear demonstration of bias, that was it. There should be an investigation into that. Brings the game into disrepute.

Looks like Europe is gone for us then

Christine.
I agree with what you say, my gripe on the incident is why, who was ever on the VAR didn't ask the referee to have another look at the incident, as they did with Allan. And that what makes it suspicious, or, lets look after the SKY favorites.

Man City score early against Watford.

Bailey missing a decent chance there against the Foxes. Still nil-nil.

Commentator mentioned he has just one league goal all season after 15 last season in the Bundesliga. No prizes for guessing who it's against.

I did not see today's game but Fernandes it appears should have been sent off. In my opinion, when they played Liverpool, he should also have been red carded for a very high late tackle against some defender?

I have been saying for a long time that the refereeing this season has been the worst I can remember since the start of the Premier League. Incompetence or bias to the big clubs?

Problem is, I believe one issue is the guy who runs the refs – a certain Mike Riley. As a ref, he was, at best, poor. Does anyone know who he reports to and if he is scrutinised as the refs are? For me, he should be replaced as I think it will only get worse with him at the helm.

Without fouling Dennis(?) brilliant tackle by Livchenko Camt believ I saw Cancelo dribble into danger and completely fuck it up.

Pukki, open run in on goal but gets thwarted and instead sets up Dowell... who blazes over.

Unbelievable cross by KDB and powered home by Jesus.

Christine @23 -

Exactly!!!! It’s bent.

Watford pull one back. Should have been saved by Ederson..

Joelinton puts Newcastle ahead.

There’s the benefit of not putting the ball out of play when one of your players is down injured. Great finish by Rodrigo.

Go Ed city you do your bit leave the rest to us ( ahem

Re #34, Ditto. Newcastle now 2-up.

Half time at the King Power and 0-0.

Good that we’re getting a view on different games. City not playing well at all but still too good for Watford.

Cant a goalkeeper be sent off for a foul in the area stopping a goal scoring opportunity? Or do they just find a penalty is sufficient?

Man City only 3 behind Liverpool on goal difference. They may go for it in the 2nd half.

Seems the VAR communication is fooked at Man City. 2.5 minutes to get a message across from Stockley park to Kevin Friend that it was a penalty to city. Awarded after 14 seconds from the kick off. Anyway, now 4-1.

City 5 up Jesus with 4

5-1. Gabriel Jesus has 4.

Eddie Howe has done a very good job at Newcastle, to his credit. They've been much more solid / organised than I expected - more so than I ever saw at Bournemouth.

The influx of new players has helped a bit - but he's lost Trippier to injury and is now getting a tune out of others.

My hope is that Lampard just needs the sort of time Howe has now had to get the players in a good rhythm. Not unlike what Arteta has managed to do.

Credit Arsenal for not sacking him, because they've gone through spells where nothing was going right - and they now look like a club really heading in the right direction.

Maybe because it's Rodgers V Gerrard or perhaps because it's in front of their home support, but the Foxes are certainly playing with more tempo and energy than we witnessed.

Just watching this to see if the Foxes can roll Slippy and more or less force Villa to give Burnley a game.

Villa been brighter since the half but still no goals in this so far.

Newcastle have a soft 3rd. So no miracles for either Watford or Norwich this weekend at least...

Christ, look at Newcastle go now. It's fair to say Eddie Howe chose his next club well.

Geordies have excelled faster than I thought, they could yet pip West Ham for 7th.

We may need a massive favour from them on the final day at Burnley.

Bill @ 40;

The way it works is, penalty if in the box, 'keeper sent off when outside the box if it denies clear scoring opportunity, same as with outfield player.

Think the Premier League can say Sayonara to Watford and Norwich after today.

We could do with Tottenham imploding and Arsenal having 4th place sealed before the last game. Come on, Brentford (they were the team I thought we would catch just a few weeks ago).

Be probably better to say "au revoir", Will. Those two will be back again.

Burnley in the Championship without Dyche, or us... we might be more deserving of the sayonara.

Peter, as it's the final game of the season, I think Arsenal will give it their all regardless of the stakes. We really need to secure safety before the Emirates I think.

Still without a goal at the KP.

Hopefully, yes, Derek. The nightmare scenario – they need a point or more for Champions League football, we need a point or more... Horrible.

Derek, I don't even want to think...

I thought Arsenal were going to hit the panic button earlier in the season, Robert, so credit to them.

I can see us getting 9 points. Will 38 be enough? Should be? Leeds also have a tough run-in.

Sky absolutely creaming themselves over the “reborn” barcodes. Sky 7 incoming.

Nick, why not. Northern club, huge fanbase starved of success for years. If Everton were scoring goals and winning matches with attacking football, we would also get positive coverage.

The unfortunate truth is goals, attacking football, and winning matches isn't the Everton Way.

It's really hard to see how we go into that last game of the season with a sufficient cushion over Burnley.

Unless Burnley completely implode and we somehow find a capability to win games and start finding the back of the net, then I'd say 2 or 3 points ahead of the Clarets at the very best but with a worse goal difference, no doubt worsened by a thrashing tomorrow.

Only 3 additional minutes at Man City! Who on earth decides this added time?

The penalty awarded at the start of the second half alone stopped play for nearly 2½ minutes. There's been six subs, and a stoppage for a Watford player to be treated.

By rights, there should have been at least 5 or 6 minutes added on. Didn't make a blind bit of difference anyway. City win 5-1.

I reckon, to be watertight safe, 11 points is needed from the 6 games left, to be safe from the drop.

Burnley have a very tough run-in, but strange events happen in football matches this time of the season.

Hopefully Wolves can stop Burnley tomorrow, but it's going to be very tough., but tomorrow a point would be most welcome for Everton.

Mr Ed may rest some of his team tomorrow but, whether he does or doesn't, hopefully Everton will be at it for 96 minutes, and come off the park having given their very best.

Feck the RS, UTFT!

Bore draw at the King Power. Suits Villa fine to end their four game skid and suits the Foxes who are playing out the string.

Villa on 38 points now, and can realistically probably get out the towels and tanning lotion out properly. They've got a bunch of exciting youngsters who won the FA Cup Youth Final last year. They'd like to have a look at some of them and I think I might be able to guess what games Slippy decides to give them some run.

Seeing as we beat them there last season, and it may well be the last derby for a while, I expect Klopp to be merciless,

Paul (#61). If this is the last opportunity to grab bragging rights, the approval-seeking German will want them, and in emphatic fashion.

Rob, "Didn't make a blind bit of difference anyway. City win 5-1."

Rob, City might well have scored another goal in the time not added on. And it's goal difference they need to make up on the other lot.

Brent, that’s probably the reason why it was only three minutes.

It stinks, Rob. Fecking stinks.

Well it seems it's going to be our results against Burnley's results…

So the drooling over the skunks has begun. Let’s hope / see if the drooling continues next weekend.

It was the Everton way once or twice, Joe. But, for whatever reason, never glamorous enough to be media darlings. Even in 1985, the clamour was for Tottenham to win the title in that race, who didn't even finish runners-up.

I'd put the latest phase if frenzying about marketing. Did you see the attempted recreation of the Kop at St James' at the end today? They've got the owners, they got the fanbase and they're creating a brand. Sky will love it.

We're rubbish at that and always have been. To the media, we're boring.

Great match at Brentford. They've got Tottenham on the ropes, but both teams playing their part in a high-intensity match.

I did mention Brentford's manager in last year's summer of discontent.

Danny they have also got the richest owners in the league, that's why Sky will love them. And that sees Brentford out of our reach. Not going to be an easy game at Goodison.

Danny (I fully agree), I was thinking more recent, last 20 odd years. The Bill years.

It's been a sad day for one of our blues today – Joe Royle, I didn't want Oldham to be relegated either. Went a few times with my brother's mates in the Roger Palmer, Andy Ritchie and Big Joe era, such great times.

Wolves being total arses in the first minute, if that is any indication of their motivation and desire...

But Wolves are much more fluid (fluent?) when they put their minds to it.

It’s frustrating cos wolves are all over Burnley, who are making error after error, but still nil nil

McNeil with the first decent attempt, for Burnley, worked it in nicely but then lashed his top-corner shot high and wide.

Brilliant chance for Wolves after a load of passes, Johnny working into space and firing one in that Pope saved well.

Wolves are lovely to watch. Pity I’m too nervous to enjoy it.

Wolves were dominating without the required end-product. Burnley coming back into it a bit more after the half-hour.

Another great shot from McNeil, this one needed tipping over by Sa.

Burnley such a limited football team, how did they score three against us ? On second thoughts, don’t answer that.

It's a weekend of footballing animals. Wolves, Eagles and the Dogs (of War) today.

HT: 0-0

Live table on the BBC with us in the relegation zone for the first time since … can’t remember if Silva got us there or it was Koeman last.

Shades of Burnley ga e v saints. Wolves on top no end product, Fck sake please no

Things better change if it stays the same we go to the other place in the bottom 3 as this commentator keeps saying,at the Chelsea game

But if it stays the same Bill, as soon as the whistle is blown and we kick off, we are out of the bottom 3.

The problem with "as it stands" live tables and unsynchronised kick off times.

We will know by the end of our fixture where we are and then there's Leeds' tomorrow. That will give us the full picture.

Not half time at Burnley before we've taken to the pitch and kicked a ball.

Plus we still have a game in hand?

At least there is Maxwell Cornet for Burnley, not even on the bench.

1-0 Burnley. Fuck.

Ah f**k

Wow - I have never seen the BBC update their live table so quickly, to show us in the bottom three.

Well I guess we are in the bottom 3 now Danny, Burnley have got what we didn't get with change of manager and that is results.

Burnley on a roll now. They’re a bit crap but they’re playing teams who really aren’t that arsed - Watford next, who are as good as down, followed by Villa who have nothing to play for.

We’re probably going down, but our best hope might be Leeds losing the plot in a difficult run in.

Fabio Silva, completely useless …off now …..Neto on, so a bit of hope left

oh no, we are in serious trouble now Dyche has gone. Burnley playing a higher line. Really could have done with both Bielsa and Dyche not being sacked (or Steve Bruce)

Looks like the jig is up.

Burnley actually have the exact same record as us in the five matches before today, W2-D1-L2. So they're basically matching our level with their stand-in manager, which could be another indication of a down-to-the-wire finish to it all.

How disappointing have Wolves been in attack?!?! Completely toothless.

Burnley doing what we have to do, win the home games, every one of them now are massive.. Now I think it is essential to beat Watford away too.

Seems Burnley's home inspiration is better than ours. Who'd have thought it?

Burnley were the better team in the second half. We cannot expect other teams to do us any favours. We have to win some games.

People just need to come to terms with it. Do not rely on any other team to do the hard work for Everton and as for Everton beating Watford, you have got to be joking. Everton are a second rate team, a team full of clueless players who will always look for the easy way out and not do the hard yards of success. I can't see us winning until it's already been decided but that is exactly how this team is. It is harsh but this team, the coaching staff, the board is nowhere near good enough for this very average league. I just wonder what other, soul destroying spectacle is this team going to throw at the supporters before this season is done.

No matter who was manager this season, I feel the outcome would have been the same. We just don't have enough quality in every position. Burnley have several goalscorers, and I do feel that Dyche was holding them back.

Most of our results at home have been a shocker, Watford scoring 5, even the much asked for Duncan effect was a home defeat v Gerarrd (of all people).

For a club obsessed with history (and apparently doing things the right way), the last decade won't want to be remembered, but will be the most damning.

Another big game tonight - after a horrid day yesterday, let’s hope we see a upturn in fortune with a win for Palace...

For fuck's sake! Palace missed a sitter!

At least Palace are playing with some integrity. Very open end to end game this.

It's a good game. Admittedly I have one eye on it at work.

We desperately need Palace to win. I honestly don't care about this or that - I'll take any and all help the footy gods will throw at us at this point.

Palace trying to walk it in. Very entertaining 0-0 so far, but need the Eagles to soar and to do it soon.

It’s really just not going for us, Palace have been all over Leeds second half but it just wont go in … Leeds on 35 points now and think they’ll be fine now, 1 from 2 …. Us and Burnley, how on earth has it come to this

We beat Chelsea and things will look very different imo John?

Draw that's not much help

Need Leeds to lose all 3 of their next games and maybe we have a chance.

But it's just not going for us.

Leeds will lose next 3 games. We need to get some points on the board.

If we don't get 11 out of 18, we are down.

Think Burnley and Leeds will get to 40. Anything less than 11, and we've no chance.

That's a decent poibt away from home for Leeds (something we are incapable of these days).

34 points, they'll probably require 5 more to be safe, they have hard matches on the horizon but finish with winnable matches.

Palace had all the chances, especially in the second half but Leeds grab a precious point.

Leeds have now taken seven points from their last three away games. We have six all season.

Noose is getting tighter and tighter around our necks.

Leeds are on 34 points after 33 games

At least Leeds didn’t win.

Palace should have buried Leeds but they are, missing an out and out clinical striker.

The fitness levels of those two teams, is superior to most teams in this League.

Chelsea, and a massive day for EFC, a must win game.

Praying that Watford, can beat Burnley.

UTFT!

John, Leeds are on 34 points, but it’s still 2 games we have to win, as a win and draw are no good.

Well, a few weeks ago I said it would be Leeds that would be the team in real trouble. I stand by that, but we're in a world of hurt.

I thought the number would be 37/38 points. It's now looking like the "traditional" 40 points to stay up most likely? If that's the case, we need to do more than just beat Watford, Brentford and Palace. We need a home win mixed in there additionally to finish on 41. That means beating Chelsea this weekend. Or, grabbing three points on the road at Leicester or Arsenal.

We're in really big trouble.

Will Leeds lose the three they're supposed to, win at home against Brighton, and then can we trust Brentford won't be on the beach the las game of the season?

Will Stevie G's Villa sweep Burnley? Will Watford find some pride and beat Burnley? Any chance Newcastle will even give a shit the last game of the season on the road at Burnley?

We now need 12 points, and I honestly am scared to death because I can't see it based on our away form.

The one shinning light is we actually still hold our destiny in our own hands.

But after this latest result, and I'm usually one to hold to hope until the bitter end, our outlook is looking bleaker and bleaker.

How on earth has it come to this indeed?!

Jamie - Villa are in a 5 game winless run. Imagine a scenario where they don’t beat Norwich at the weekend? Unlikely but just imagine for a moment. They simply then have to take points off Burnley as they have the shite and City to play too as well as Palace and they could conceivably be stuck on 37 points if they don’t take points off Burnley

Chris -

I was just looking at that, and that's a great point. Turn the shit form scenario around, if Burnley sweep Villa, Villa could easily end up on 37 points.

Stevie G relegated would warm my heart.

I think Burnley and Villa will split points - that's not a good scenario for us. We want one or the other to sweep 6 points I'd think.

I think there are a few twists to come yet.

Can Burnley maintain their form?
Leeds have 3 really tough games now
Can be we start converting more of our chances?
Villa are in a poor run with some very difficult games to come.

No idea but I still have the hope that we will be ok, I refuse to give up. If the players show the same fight as they did yesterday then I think we will be ok.

We may see a few surprise results that turn things. At least though it still remains in our own hands.

I am already resigned to us going down, I can't see how we are suddenly going to change and start winning games. same old same old and down we go. Its OK to keep hoping Burnley and now Leeds are going to slip up and save our bacon. We are done for and that's it for our long stay in the top division of English football. RIP EFC.
Absolutely gutted.

Neil and that's the thing. If we win 4 of our last 6, we're up.

I think the really disappointing thing is not but a week ago I was saying if we won 3 of our last 6 we'd be ok. I don't think that's the case any longer due to the recent results.

But yes, the silver lining on the shit cloud is we do absolutely hold our destiny in our own hands. I think our effort has absolutely been there recently -I give Frank a ton of credit for that. We have to figure out a way to ideally get 12 points from 18. 11 would probably work as well, but 11's a really tough number to get to as it would require 5 results in 6 games. 12 points is really simple - just win 4 fucking games.

God I'm seriously frightened to death in an honest moment now.

Anyone else feel that the Gods are against us?

Just seems that no other team can do us a favor when we need it most and results are favoring Burnley and Leeds against teams who should be beating them.

It could just be however that Burnley and Leeds are showing more fight than Everton when it is most needed.

We may need a miracle now.

Geoff -

Here's why I just can't give up hope, and this is really, really dark.

If we do go down, we're not bouncing straight back up. I don't see it happening with our horrid finances. Parachute payments won't stop a fire sale. And the Championship is a slog. I can't even think about it, we just have to stay up. If we don't, we'll be down for a while I fear.

Tom -

Honestly the gods have nothing to do with it. This is down to spunking like half a billion dollars / pounds on poor, poor purchases, and I still blame the ridiculous appointment of Rafa as the major reason we find ourselves in this mess. We've no one to blame but ourselves if relegation actually does happen.

I hate saying that! But I just think it's true.

Jamie - I agree. It's a fire sale, possible administration and a points deduction if we drop out the top flight. The new stadium will also be dead in the water too. It's 4 wins or bust. It's a tall order but it is not impossible.

Basically we need to beat Chelsea just to be in the conversation for staying up.

If we're going into the last 5 games needing around 10 points then we'd be cooked. We average less than a point a game over any form period you want to pick. It would be too big a turnaround required.

Jamie, that’s my fear too. If I was confident of coming straight back up then I may be slightly less bothered. I choose to blot it out and remain positive as it’s the only way I can deal with it.

Chris -

Or three wins and these footy gods Tom Bowers speaks of actually smile on us, and Leeds lost the 3 they "should", and trip up against Brighton or Brentford.

But yes, 4 wins - that's the straightforward path.

We are sunk and have been for a while. Apart from the start of the season, we haven't strung numerous wins together.

Forget about other teams, the only way we get out of it is winning games, one after the other, and that is beyond this team which is truly pathetic. Christ, we got out of certain relegation with Rideout and Cottee, yet this team is just going through the motions until reality bites.

If it was going to happen, a hand of God moment, a glimmer of hope, it would have happened by now. Our owner's play thing is broken and money can't fix it.

Ernie -

I think that's going to be the scenario honestly.

And no, we have no form this entire season to think that should happen. But the team has played hard, and with a lot of passion in my opinion as of late. And against the remaining opposition, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility we could get 12 points from our last 5 games.

But you're correct – there's literally no data or evidence to suggest that will occur. It's all hope and what we're actually capable of, but we seemingly fall short all too frequently.

The Burnley game so sticks out! What a difference even a draw there makes! But then I turn on my bullshit hope barometer, and remember the Iwobi goal against Newcastle down to 10 men, and the Richarlison goal against Leicester at the death. We can do this, it's just clearly an uphill climb.

Jamie #129 sorry mate we have won 4 games in the last 29 we have played. It aint happening fella.

Ernie, correct re. Chelsea. It's a nightmare scenario for sure.

A certain number of games remain for a team to save itself - from a situation caused by long term poor form.

With each failure, that poor form needs to improve by an even larger margin to correct the situation from fewer remaining opportunities - until eventually, top level form is required, say, three or four consecutive wins; from a team that has been extending its poor form.

It's the ultimate slippery slope. I'm remaining positive but we have to get better NOW.

Geoff -

My brain agrees with your piss shower on my head. I don't mean that negatively at all mate. It's just like footy is taking a giant piss on top of all of us.

I have to hold to hope. I know the numbers. But Watford, Brentford, and Palace for 9 points - for crying out loud surely we can get that bit done?? Despite the data suggesting otherwise??

I've honestly started to think of how I'll actually even watch the damn games. Now that is dark. I googled "England Championship games streaming in USA" which means I've absolutely started starring into the abyss.

A glimmer of hope maybe that Burnley have managed to win 3 out of their last 5 whereas previously they had won 3 from 28. So, it can be done…….

Anyone with an ounce of faith that the squad we've had delivered to us, by the ever worsening decades-long grossest of gross incompetence at board and owner level – putting it politely – is living in cloud-cuckoo land as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to avoiding relegation.

If it doesn't happen this season, it'll happen next season as a result of the spending chaos committed by the owner and board that has destroyed any attempt at even matching pre-Moshiri levels of player purchase next season, as a minimum.

How many players do we think have instructed their agents to find them new clubs now?

I'd suggest just three – Pickford, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. The rest of them haven't a hope of a better contract anywhere else.

NSNO? Gimme a break. Our motto is now "Decrepitude Beyond Belief" – DBB! It has a certain congruity perhaps?

For any of us still fantasising about avoiding relegation we presently have just 29 points from 32 games. That's nigh-on a season-full of relegation form. Watford and Norwich aside we more than anyone is/are up shit creek.

Everton are the bookie's favourites for the drop and, while I don't bet, I'd not bet on avoiding what our owner and board have delivered to us.

That said, the one particle of accommodation I cling to is the disgust I feel towards the many Putin-friendly bastards who robbed their fellow countrymen to become obscenely wealthy, and thereby employ various soulless dickheads to manage their affairs, our owner now being provably the world's worst football "entrepreneur".

Still, even though other clubs always allegedly ponder what Everton would do in their bid to successfully sort themselves out, and whilst we've allegedly enjoyed or endured good times under his decades-long "leadership", let's just be as grateful as Moshiri still is in the self-serving greedy fuckwit still dominating our club's fate.

Will, that's exactly it.

Add the fact that we go to Arsenal on the last day... to expect something from that really is to expect elite form.

So the formula is to beat Chelsea. That's happened 2 times in 16 Chelsea away games by West Ham and Man City - ie much better teams than us.

Then we have to get about another 7 points from Leicester, Watford, Brentford, Palace. W2, D1, L1 - ie a huge uptick in form.

If we don't achieve the above (but somehow get close) then we go to Arsenal hoping to do what 4 teams have managed in 17 games. Those teams were Chelsea, City, Liverpool and maybe hearteningly Brighton.

It's a much bigger ask than simply 10 points from 6 games.

We're already hoping for a miracle. If we don't beat Chelsea I think it's getting beyond even miracle status.

The unknown is what Burnley and Leeds can do with their remaining games. We need to do our best and hope for one or both of them to collapse.

I think Leeds will win a maximum of two more games. That would put them on 40 points, with an inferior goal difference, leaving us needing 3 wins and a draw. Regarding Burnley, we need to win our game in hand then match their results, which seems possible. The game at the weekend is massive. We certainly can't lose.

Iain -

Doesn't 3 wins and a draw net us 39 points, and relegation?

If Leeds finish on 40 with their last two games won, and we net 10 points currently on 29, we're a point shy?

I think this whole thing will come down to our last 5 games. We need to do what Ernie is saying is almost impossible and get 12 points from our last 15 available. Or beat Chelsea and get 9 from our last 5 games / 12 from our last 6 games.

You're right Jamie, so it does! Oh dear. 3 wins and two draws (or 4 four wins) required.

I'm working every scenario out in my head. Leeds have Brentford away last game which isn't easy. I certainly don't want to rely on us having to get something at Arsenal.

Looking at it with an optimistic view we could get at least a point off Chelsea and Leicester then take 3 points each offf Watford, Brentford and Palace giving us 11 points but it all depends on pressure and confidence of results going for us rather than against us. The players need to be in it to win it and not get badly affected by other results. People keep saying it is in our own hands but it isn't because other results will affect our chances.

Guys, I too am hoping for a similar revival but despite 18 points being available, we have looked so unlikely to score from open play that I fear wins are simply beyond us.
We beat United with a big deflection, we scored two pens at Burnley. We left Anfield having not troubled Becker.
We are missing what a fit DCL can give us and Frank is not getting anywhere playing our best winger as a nine.
We won't score unless he ditches Iwobi or Gray and includes Rondon ?DCL from the start.
We cannot afford to give Chelsea a head start and we won't get a sausage playing the three amigoes up top.

Oh dear! I still cannot believe we lost a winning game at fucking Burnley! Those 3 points were priceless.

Soren! our most important fixture in recent history. And we blew it.

What's with the royal 'we'? Frank blew that.

Jay 142, that is very optimistic. Our survival hopes were pinned on Burnley failing to pick up points, and they have done. I think it's over now sadly.

I beg your pardon Dale. You're right. We as in "His majesty Frank II".

Sorry I hate to be pessimistic (more realist) but I cannot see us getting anything from the last 6 games - we haven’t got a feckin clue in the final third of the pitch - it’s as if they get lost in the opposite goal and can’t figure out what to do next - I’ve been a fan for nearly 60 years and this bipolar team for me, is worse than anything Smith or Walker had they just have to fight in them at all except for one or two; Gordon in particular - the rest don’t appear to know where they are and why they are there - and who’s these other guys on the pitch in the same colour - I’d hate us to go down I’d be heartbroken and embarrassed - worst shit house chairman in Everton history the shit bag should be hounded out of the club and Liverpool and exiled to feckin London 😡😢

We've still got a decent chance but letting Burnley get some optimism going will not be helping. Chelsea have to play Ushited on Thursday and then come to Goodison and a point would be acceptable. We will obviously have to turn it around against LC and Watford.

I’ve just checked the “form” table for the last 6 games. We’d be 14th with 7 points from 6. Better than the season has gone but it really is going to take an incredible upshift in form over the final 6 to get us safe (and that’s ignoring the form of Burnley and Leeds). I hope we do it, and if we do, where has the team been all season! I’ll be there Sunday and we need a win against a very good Chelsea team. Stranger things have happened!

If we, after squandering half a billion, can't beat Palace at home, and bloody Watford and Leicester away when we absolutely have to, then we DESERVE to go down! Even Chelsea are beatable. Ask Brentford!

The theatre world is massive in London, and I was getting told that Bill Kenwright has purchased a few of them with the money he’s made out of Everton, Mike? This could just be a load of pony, but hey-diddly-dee - Kenwright has played a great game - and certainly kidded plenty

Tony Abrahams - he’s the biggest fraud in football today - I can’t think of any supposed Chairman being so shite - no writer could come up with the joke he’s created - he’s killing our club and needs cutting out like a cancer - he’s found a right dumbass with money to keep him on and finance to watch the club burn whilst he fiddles - a tragedy Shakespeare couldn’t have written 😡

I'm refusing to be defeatist when we've got home games against:

- Chelsea
- Palace
- Brentford

And away games against:

- Leicester
- Watford
- Arsenal

The Arsenal game will be very difficult especially if they have Champions League qualification riding on it. But each of the other fixtures is a credible opportunity to pick up 3 points.

Robert # 155. I’m being super optimist, but I can see four wins and a draw from our final six. If Burnley can go on a mini winning streak, then so can we.

Man City 2-0 up in the first 10 minutes against Real Madrid. One foot in the final already?

City could have had four in the first 30 minutes. Just missed two one on one's.

Game on, Benzema pulls one ack.

What a job Steve Cooper has done at Forest, regardless of how this match ends up. 1-0 up at Fulham at HT and now 2 points off automatic promotion.

When he joined they were a basket case bottom 3 and relegation fodder. An unfashionable name and manager but it’s outstanding work from him this season.

Tomorrow I am a Villarreal fan for a day. C'mon!

3-1. Phil Foden header. Could Carlo be heading for another five conceded at The Etihad?

3-2 as I speak! Great game.

Pep gets booked and Real score another. Now it is getting serious!

There's points to be made and 18 at stake.

If Everton can keep the focus and belief that they showed against Old Nick, then the points will come, but if Everton must start finishing the good chances being made.

Burnley have momentum, and Leeds now have 3 very tough games.

Everton v Chelsea, Palace and Brentford are winnable and Everton can beat Leicester as our form there, is decent these last few years.

This is gonna be an epic battle of survival but with some luck and as long as Burnley and Leeds loose this weekend, Everton can win, then we are very much in with a good chance of staying up.

Evertonians all together, and believe in the Everton cause.

UTFT!

Poxy Palace, but let's hope Watford can do the business this weekend.

Tomorrow let's hope Villarreal do a good job on Old Nick.

Paul, the way Man City are playing tonight, they could get a bag full against Leeds this Saturday.

Paul, agreed. Reset and go again, our form is improving but need to start scoring and most importantly keep believing.

The players have shown they can put in the effort and commitment and Sunday needs to be the minimum level fit our remaining games,

We can do this.

UTFT

Unbelievable fourth goal by Silva. The five’s on again, Carlo!

Madrid penalty.

4-3. Crazy game. Cheeky penalty by Benzema

What a penalty by Benzama score 4/3 cant write off Real Madrid every time they get scored against just go back and score another one

Cheeky fucking panenka. Hope they pay for that. Cmon City!

Survived. You can't ask for more than that game served up. Get the Yellow Submarine warmed up!

Rob, Neil, that's the spirit and belief we all need.

The maths say yes, it can be done. Everton can stay up and it's in Everton's power to make it happen.

UTFT!

If Madrid had won, Citeh could concentrate properly on winning the league and that would be better for us. Carlo can take care of RS as he has to avenge the Istanbul-gate lol.

Soren, could still be Real Madrid in the final. That’s only the first leg tonight. Second leg in Madrid next week. At 3-4 down, I would say Madrid are probably favourites to go through

I know Rob. Just sayin that a defeat for city would have disheartened them reaching the final and they would have focused more on winning the league mind you.

There are many winnable games for Everton but not on the form they have shown for most of this season.

When the offence has struggled (and it has this season) then you count on the defence to hold firm which it has failed to do in so many games hence the current position.

We will need a lot of help from other clubs and in the last two weeks it hasn't happened.

I hope for the best but fear the worst, sorry to say.

When you get caught up in the love and passion for something all hope of reality can disappear and that's what's happening to us all unfortunately. We are watching one of the worst teams to have ever played for this club.

It's a mixture of players with big egos but no fight, others who are average and yet past their best and then the very few who really care and do fight but do not have enough to make a difference. We can't score and can't defend.

However, I do believe that Chelsea owe Frank Lampard a massive thank you for being such a wonderful player for them and they will just roll over for him just to give us some hope.

Ahh, there's reality disappearing again.

Heard a rumour today Moshri has agreed to sell the club to an overseas investment group. Anyone heard the same?

John

If true that’s bad news. No one with good intentions and a brain would buy us right now. So either it’s some lunatic or some asset stripping scum bags with an eye on BMD as an income generating asset of some sort. Unload the valuable players, use the cash for real estate development then flog to arena to the RS or whoever

Tom Bowers

“There are many winnable games.” We've won 11 of our last 44 league games. That is one win in four. Our best run in that time was winning two in a row: ONCE. We've got six games left.

Kieran - I think it's completely done from a form and maths perspective. We really shouldn't stay up from here even if we perform at a better level than our form suggests. It will take a massive turnaround.

But hope springs eternal. It's all we've got.

I never heard it's actually been sold, John, but I heard that there are American investors who are very serious about buying Everton, and a lot of discussions are taking place, but for any sale to go through, the stadium must be built.