A large majority of Evertonians back manager Sean Dyche and are confident that he can steer his players to safety in their last two matches of the season.
The Toffees make the trip down to Molineux to face Wolves at 3pm tomorrow, knowing that a win could potentially guarantee their safety as early as Monday night, if Leeds United lose to West Ham United and Leicester City fail to win at Newcastle United.
However, should results not go their way this weekend, the Blues will be forced to endure a gut-wrenching final day with Bournemouth making the trip to Goodison Park and Leeds and Leicester hosting Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham respectively. There are many permutations in play but, out of 5,375 responses to a survey by the ECHO, 76 per cent believe Everton will avoid relegation this season.
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It’s a year to the day since they confirmed their safety last season, with a dramatic 3-2 turnaround victory over Crystal Palace. It was Frank Lampard who led them to victory that day, but he was sacked in January of this year and replaced by Dyche, who has earned the backing of a large portion of the fanbase, with 84 per cent of people surveyed by the ECHO trusting the former Burnley manager to get the key decisions right in the remaining two games.
Under the 51-year-old, the Toffees’ away form has greatly improved as an outstanding 5-1 victory over Brighton in their last outing means they have already racked up the same amount of points on the road under Dyche than they had for the entire campaign prior to his arrival. This turnaround in results away from home could prove vital against a Wolves side, who have won five of their last six games at home.
66 per cent of those who responded to the survey said that Everton will attain between four and six points in their final two matches, which, barring miracles, would be sufficient for the Toffees to avoid the drop. Two wins would see the Blues reach a total of 38 points and while that would ensure survival regardless of what those around them do, it would also be the lowest points total they have ever recorded in their history.
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For now, Everton’s destiny remains in their own hands but failure to win at Molineux tomorrow could see that change. Not that will worry Dyche who, when asked about the permutations in his pre-match conference yesterday, said: “I don’t stare at the league. It’s not about the league table at this stage, I’ve said it for weeks, the one at the end of the season is the most important. Of course we all debate it and look at it during a season, of course we do, but the one at the end of the season, that’s the most important, the one we’re looking to be above the line on.”
Meanwhile, James Tarkowski took confidence from Everton’s spirited performance in their last outing, despite losing 3-0 to treble-chasing Manchester City. He said: “We need more of that (impressive recent displays). We have a good spirit in the group.
“Everyone, playing or not, all noses are pointing in the same direction. We want the best for this team and this club. We have great belief in ourselves.”
The manager knows what needs to be done and so do the players. The fans have continued to show their support for them and now it’s up to Everton to drag themselves over the line and avoid relegation for the first time in 72 years.
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