If Sean Dyche was afforded any sort of honeymoon period after taking over as Everton manager, he will surely be under no illusions now of the size of the job he has on his hands.
Home victories against Arsenal and Leeds United have been tempered by defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa before the Gunners exacted their revenge for their reverse fixture loss on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's side were too hot to handle on their home turf as two goals in each half condemned the Blues to a 4-0 defeat. The result leaves Everton languishing the relegation zone as another tough journey to the season's conclusion becomes ever more apparent.
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With every point vital, here's a look the Blues next six fixtures in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest (a) - Sunday, March 5
If Everton are to keep their proud top-flight status intact for another season, then they must pick up points against other relegation candidates. That includes Steve Cooper's Forest side, who seem to have signed more players than won points so far this campaign.
The two-times European Cup winners are currently four points ahead of the Bluesm with a game in hand and the bulk of their win shave come at home, where they have triumphed on five occassions. If this is where Sean Dyche picks up his first Everton away win he will be taking points directly off a key rival.
Brentford (h) - Saturday, March 11
Thomas Frank's Brentford have been one of the surprise packages of the season, spearheaded by England striker Ivan Toney. Currently chasing a European spot, they will arrive at Goodison Park intent on coming away with points.
The two sides drew 1-1 in the capital earlier on in the season, but this is sure to be a real test of just how much a fortress Goodison Park has become under Dyche. Brentford have only lost four games all season but have only won one of their last four matches.
Chelsea (a) - Saturday, March 18
What Everton would do for a bit of Chelsea's money, not that appears to be doing the London club much good right now. In fact, the Blues have actually gained more points than the West London outfit in their last five matches. With no wins during that barren run, Graham Potter could well be out of a job by the time Everton visit Stamford Bridge, but with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix at their disposal, the Toffees can expect a tough afternoon in the capital.
Tottenham (h) - Saturday, April 1
Antonio Conte is under pressure to make sure his Spurs side qualify for the Champions League next season and inspired by Harry Kane they are making good progress with four wins from their last five holding them up in fourth place. The England captain was on the scoresheet when Tottenham beat Everton 2-0 in North London back in October, but Evertonians will be hoping that the Dyche-effect can produce an altogether different result this time around.
Manchester United (a) - Saturday, April 8
Everton's hopes of preserving their top flight status will largely depend on getting results at home, but anything that can be picked up on road is more than welcome. It doesn't get much tougher than a trip to Old Trafford however, as the Carabao Cup winners continue their resurgence under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils have twice prevails against the Blues this season, first with a 2-1 win at Goodison Park before winning an FA Cup encounter 3-1 on home turf. If Dyche can stop in-form Marcus Rashford and pick up points here it would be a bonus.
Fulham (h) - Saturday, April 15
Everton will be reunited with one of their former managers when Marco Silva's Fulham side comes to town. The West London outfit have been one of the success stories of the season, currently riding high in seventh position. Sean Dyche has only lost one of his first three home matches as Everton manager, but Fulham have won on the road five times this season and will undoubtedly provide tough opposition.
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