Everton have dropped from fifth to 11th in the Premier League table after back-to-back 2-0 defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal
Thierno Barry is challenged by Ezri Konsa during the match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2026
Thierno Barry is challenged by Ezri Konsa during the match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2026(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Everton need to fulfil a trio of requirements to stay out of trouble in the Premier League this season. That's the opinion of a former Blues star brought to the club by David Moyes.
Having gone unbeaten for the first eight matches this term in all competitions, Everton have now lost back-to-back fixtures, both by 2-0, to London pair Chelsea and Arsenal. The consecutive reversals have seen Moyes’ men tumble down the table from fifth to 11th and an ex-player believes they must now be careful.
Louis Saha netted 35 goals in 115 games for the Blues between 2008-12, including one after just 25 seconds in the 2009 FA Cup final.
And speaking courtesy of BettingLounge, the Frenchman said: “Every team has to be cautious including Sunderland and Everton because it’s a tough league where everyone can beat anyone.
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“Everton needs to keep their top players, (Thierno) Barry needs to keep scoring, and they must defend well at home in particular.
“There is going to be a lot of tight results and scrappy games, so Everton and Sunderland could both get dragged into trouble if they’re not careful.”
Sunderland went to Everton for the final home game of their first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium below their hosts in the table but after a 3-1 win they then defeated Chelsea 2-1 in their last fixture to secure a place in Europe for only the second time in their history after a foray in the 1973/74 European Cup-Winners’ Cup.
Although Regis Le Bris’ side are undefeated after three Europa League matches this term, Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Leeds United left them propping up the Premier League table.
And with just 18 outfield players in their squad now, Saha reckons Everton’s failure to make it into continental competition could actually help them.
The 48-year-old said: “You will see that teams in Europe might struggle to manage the relentless rhythm. So, there is an opportunity for the teams that aren’t in those competitions.
“Teams like Everton can focus on the Premier League and take things week by week and have more time to solve their problems and build that strong foundation.”
Everton boss David Moyes