Graeme Souness believes Everton are back in danger of being relegated from the Premier League after they missed the chance to confirm survival against Brentford. Despite leading twice at Goodison Park, Frank Lampard’s side lost 3-2 after Rico Henry’s header completed the turnaround.
The result dragged the Toffees back into contention to drop out of the Premier League for the first time after Leeds United picked up a point against Brighton. They return to Goodison Park on Thursday where they have a second chance to secure survival but they will have to do it without Jarrad Branthwaite and Salomon Rondon who were both shown red cards.
Everton are still big favourites to avoid relegation but Souness believes they’re back in an awkward situation. He was asked on Sky Sports where they find themselves heading into the final week of the Premier League season.
Read more: Everton spurn chance to escape Leeds United and Burnley relegation battle with Brentford defeat
“Under pressure,” he replied. “I thought they’d do well today and win today. They’ve put themselves back into a difficult situation. They can’t complain.
“You feel for Branthwaite getting sent off. He was unlucky because it happened so quickly he had a chance to step back and let Toney in on goal. It is a sending off by the letter of the law. The other sending off is so avoidable.”
Even though Everton were able to restore their lead afterwards, it was Branthwaite’s dismissal after 18 minutes which left them short against the Bees. The pressure that Brentford were able to pile on the 10 men in blue in the second half told in a two-minute period where Yoane Wissa and Henry turned the game on its head.
“They just sat three or four yards deeper [in the second half] because of what the manager said, there’s nothing wrong with what they’ve said,” added Souness. “But psychologically for the players, they were on the backfoot, where in the first half, even with 10 men, they were more adventurous.
“During the first half, when they were down to 10 men, they were doing well. You have to say, what they said would be correct, but it plants a negative seed in the players’ head.”
That negative seed mentioned by Souness will now be taken into Thursday evening’s clash with Crystal Palace as the Everton players will know just how pivotal the game is for their season, and their future. Travelling to the Emirates to face Arsenal on the final day will prove a tough task so they will be desperate to get their business wrapped up beforehand.
