Everton are just 14 points away from safety, and once they hit that mark, they can really start planning for the future.
Four wins and a couple of draws from their final 15 matches would take them to the crucial 40-point threshold, at which point they can begin thinking about their new home and a fresh start. Given the recent form under David Moyes, that target seems well within reach, especially with the teams below them continuing to underperform.
Leicester are one such team. Under Ruud van Nistelrooy, they played like a side already resigned to relegation, even though the bottom four clubs are still closely packed. Everton have now won three consecutive games, adding Leicester’s scalp to victories over Tottenham and Brighton.
Iliman Ndiaye capped off the rout in the final minute with his eighth goal of the season, making it a goal in every match since joining. Moyes was brought in as a steady hand after the departure of Sean Dyche, but he’ll want to do more than just keep Everton in the Premier League.
Moyes has already proven himself with West Ham, leading them to their first trophy in 43 years with a Conference League win. Everton could use some memorable moments in their future home at Bramley-Moore Dock when Goodison Park is eventually left behind. The weight of history looms large for the club, with their first league title in 1891 predating the formation of rivals Liverpool, a club born after Everton’s refusal to meet rent demands.
Goodison will continue to serve as the base for Everton in the Community, the club’s charity that has been serving the local community for 37 years. The programme addresses issues like poverty, anti-social behavior, dementia, and disability in one of the UK’s most deprived areas.
When Moyes first took over at Everton 23 years ago, he called the club the “People’s Club” — a phrase that resonated with fans. Goodison was close to capacity again, and the supporters have weathered everything from relegation battles to boardroom turmoil while their neighbors have won every major trophy. There are thousands of fans hoping Everton can increase their current 30,000 season ticket sales, especially as they prepare for the move to a new stadium.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s future looks increasingly uncertain. They were a goal down just eight seconds into the game when Abdoulaye Doucoure scored past Mads Hermansen. Things got worse when Beto doubled the lead in the sixth minute, and by the time Beto scored again in first-half injury-time, the mood among Leicester’s fans had turned sour, with many directing their frustration at the club’s management.
It seems like a long time since Leicester’s miracle title win, FA Cup victory, and Champions League quarter-final appearance. Now, after a promising start under Van Nistelrooy, they’ve lost eight of their last nine games. Rumors are swirling that the Dutchman is already contemplating his future, especially with the club failing to invest in new signings during the transfer window.
David Moyes puts Everton board on notice ahead of move into £800m stadium
