Everton’s disastrous start to the Premier League season has led bookmakers Paddy Power to pay out on the club being relegated, despite there still being 36 matches to go. The Toffees suffered back-to-back defeats, losing 3-0 at home to Brighton and 4-0 away to Tottenham. These results have left Everton bottom of the table with zero points and a -7 goal difference, their worst-ever beginning to a Premier League campaign. Paddy Power made the bold decision to pay out early on Everton’s relegation, despite the club being behind Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton in the odds to go down.
This shock move by Paddy Power reflects the growing concerns surrounding Everton’s ability to stay in the top flight. The team’s performances have been lackluster, and their defensive errors, particularly Jordan Pickford’s horror blunder against Tottenham, have contributed to their poor start. Despite the early payout from Paddy Power, it is important to remember that there is still a long way to go in the season, and Everton will have ample opportunity to turn their fortunes around.
However, there are additional factors that may further jeopardize Everton’s chances of survival. The club’s financial troubles have been well-documented, with a breach of Profit and Sustainability Regulations potentially resulting in a points deduction. SunSport revealed that Everton exceeded the PSR rules by an additional £6.5 million in the 2022-23 season, which could lead to further penalties from the Premier League.
Furthermore, Everton’s off-field issues are compounded by their lack of squad depth due to a wave of injuries at the start of the season. Ashley Young’s suspension and other players’ fitness concerns have forced manager Sean Dyche to field inexperienced players, such as 19-year-old Roman Dixon, in crucial positions. These challenges make Everton’s task of avoiding relegation even more difficult.
Despite these setbacks, it is crucial not to write off Everton’s chances entirely. The club has recently moved into their new £760 million stadium, which could provide a much-needed boost in terms of revenue and fan support. Additionally, there have been instances in the past where teams have turned their fortunes around after poor starts to a season. Everton will need to regroup, address their defensive issues, and find a way to start scoring goals if they are to have any hope of staying in the Premier League.
In conclusion, Paddy Power’s early payout on Everton’s relegation reflects the club’s poor start to the season. While it is a bold move by the bookmakers, there is still a long way to go in the campaign, and Everton will have opportunities to turn their fortunes around. However, the team’s defensive errors, financial troubles, and injury concerns pose significant challenges that must be overcome. Everton will need to show resilience and find a way to improve their performances if they are to avoid the threat of relegation.