Former Everton striker Louis Saha believes the Blues can improve in Goodison Park’s historic final season but it won’t be easy
Everton’s historic final season at Goodison Park will not be easy but the Blues have the tools in place to improve on the previous campaign. That’s the verdict of former Everton striker Louis Saha, who netted 35 goals in 115 games for the Blues between 2008-12, including one after just 25 seconds in the 2009 FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.
Hampered by a brace of sporting sanctions, ultimately resulting in a total of eight deducted points, Everton endured a club record winless streak in the Premier League last season,but finished strongly by five consecutive home victories and clean sheets that ensured they secured top flight survival with their on-the-pitch results matching the points tally of Brighton & Hove Albion who finished 11th.
After a disappointing start this term, losing their first four Premier League matches, Sean Dyche’s men are now unbeaten in their last five games after substitute Beto’s stoppage time equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw at Goodison against another of Saha’s former clubs Fulham last time out.
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Everton are currently five points above the relegation zone with nine points from as many fixtures, as they prepare for a trip to bottom club Southampton, who have just a single point, on Saturday. Saha, now 46, told Betfred: “I do think they’ll be in a relegation battle, but I believe they have more ammunition this season.
“They don’t have a points deduction, and they have a manager that can help them improve. Everton isn’t an easy place to be, but you can identify a style of play now and you can see that they’re playing with a more direct approach.
“That suits them because previously they were prone to mistakes defensively. Fulham were better on Saturday, but that’s football.
“Everton showed resilience and got a point despite not playing too well. This will give them confidence.”
