Everton moved four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone by beating Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday and adding their third consecutive victory, after keeping the London team at bay with relative comfort. Everton scored both goals in the second half, one of them coming from Lewis Dobbin, who scored his first Premier League goal in added time.
Since being sunk among the last three places after the 10-point punishment for breaking the Premier’s sustainability and financial profitability rules after exceeding the losses suffered in the last three years, Everton has added nine points out of a possible twelve. Without the sanction, Everton would occupy 10th place, above Chelsea.
“We are shocked and disappointed. The harshness of the punishment is not a fair or reasonable reflection,” the Toffees said. And while they appeal the sanction, Everton has proposed overcoming the ‘bad situation’ with victories.
“Without these 10 penalty points we would be in an incredible position (10th) compared to the last two seasons. We took a hit, but there have been many in recent years. The mentality is key and it is growing. We have quality, commitment and the team connection is powerful,” said Everton coach Sean Dyche.
For its part, Chelsea continues to fall into a bottomless hole. After the defeat against Everton, Pochettino’s men occupy twelfth position in the standings behind teams such as Fulham, West Ham and Brentford.
Speaking after his team’s defeat at Goodison Park, Pochettino said: “I am very, very disappointed. This was a game to play and win. It is a problem that we must control. We need to analyze the reality. We need to talk and try to improve in the next transfer market.”
One more defeat that calls into question the 435 million that Chelsea invested in signings four months ago in the summer market. Even with the investment made by the London club, Pochettino urged the board of directors to turn to the market in an attempt to obtain more signings.
