Everton’s points deduction for breaching Premier League financial regulations was decreased from 10 to six following an appeal, a decision announced on Monday that propelled the team from 17th to 15th in the standings. Despite this, the club remains under the threat of further penalties. Amid these developments, Everton faced a disheartening moment on the field when Lewis Dunk scored in the dying moments for Brighton & Hove Albion, snatching a draw at the Amex Stadium.
In light of these events, the Everton community has weighed in with their perspectives.
The move by the Premier League’s appeals panel to lower the deduction from ten to six points was a significant relief. Laurence Rabinowitz, the barrister who represented Everton, played a crucial role in this success, making many wonder why his expertise wasn’t enlisted from the beginning. His efforts have certainly earned him high praise among supporters, potentially making him a contender for any fan-voted ‘Evertonian of the Season’ accolade.
Yet, the specter of another potential deduction looms, raising concerns about the precedent set by Monday’s decision and the likelihood of Everton facing more penalties this season. With the club now sitting more comfortably five points above relegation and in 15th place, the recent draw against Brighton seems more like a point won than two lost. Remarkably, this was Everton’s first time taking the lead in a league match in 2024, breaking a pattern of early concessions.
However, the joy was short-lived, highlighting ongoing issues with scoring. Everton’s struggle to find the back of the net raises questions about a possible psychological barrier affecting its forwards. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 20-game goal drought and Beto’s difficulties in front of goal contrast sharply with Neil Maupay’s record before joining Everton, underscoring a puzzling situation that the club has yet to resolve.
