Another home loss, another huge disappointment, another costly slip up in the race to avoid the Europa Conference League.
The Aston Villa game and performance was a microcosm of Everton’s home from this calendar year.
Poor from the start however it could get better but at the end you are left thinking how has it gone this bad.
Bad is an understatement.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won one game at Goodison Park in 2021 which is abysmal.
So supporters will be glad that this game is away to the high-flying Hammers.
West Ham who are in the driving seat for a Europa League position will be desperate to stay in that driving seat.
If Everton come away with a victory David Moyes’ side will most likely not be in the driving seat anymore as Everton will have a game in hand on them and only be three points behind.
Therefore, this is vital as there is still hope of getting that Europa League spot but West Ham are a direct rival for it so a big performance is absolutely needed.
The potential big performance will have to come without James Rodriguez who is injured again after picking up a knock in the warm-up against Aston Villa.
Reoccurring injuries to any player are always a worry however when it is your key player it is a constant worry so Evertonians will be very concerned that the Colombian superstar is yet again not able to feature.
Ancelotti said: “It is a little problem. He didn’t train this week, he trained alone following a proper rehab and the plan is to start training at the beginning of next week.”
However, the good injury news is that finally Abdoulaye Doucoure is back fit and ready for selection for Carlo Ancelotti.
The legs of the midfield are finally back and it will be much needed against one of the players of the season in Tomas Soucek.
There should be nay fear factor though, Everton need to relish these challenges if they want to be with the big boys plus they need revenge from the reverse fixture which was the catalyst for the poor home form of this year.
Ancelotti needs a reaction, yet again.
Too many times this campaign the Italian has needed a reaction, but this time could be the most important especially with Leicester City having an awful performance against Newcastle on Friday night.
There is still all to play for, believe it or not.
