- David Moyes believes that Everton even being in the mix for Europe, is unbelievable
- Despite last-16 exits in the Champions League, England is still comfortably on top of the UEFA coefficient table to land the fifth Champions League spot
Everton thrashed Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday with more than just a statement win. It was proof that David Moyes’ side belongs in the conversation about Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League. The Toffees now sit eighth in the Premier League table, just two points behind Chelsea and three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool. With seven games remaining, the unthinkable is starting to look possible.
For a club that has spent more time fighting relegation in recent seasons, the prospect of Champions League football at Hill Dickinson Stadium would represent a remarkable turnaround. But the numbers suggest it is no longer a fantasy.
The numbers that tell the story
England’s strong performance in European competitions this season has almost guaranteed that fifth place in the Premier League will secure Champions League qualification.
With Arsenal and Liverpool still competing in the Champions League, and Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace progressing in the Europa League and Conference League, England sits comfortably on top of the UEFA coefficient table.
That means the top five finishers in the Premier League are likely to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Everton currently sit three points off that mark, with seven games to play. The teams above them have shown little consistency.
Manchester United looks comfortable in third place. Aston Villa have struggled recently but will be set for the fourth spot. However, the fifth spot remains open with both Chelsea and Liverpool struggling to close the gap.
Defending champions Liverpool have lost 10 Premier League games this season for the first time since 2015-16. Everton and Brentford both present a formidable challenge now for the fifth spot.
Moyes is keeping his feet on the ground
David Moyes has been in management long enough to know how quickly things can change. He has seen Everton transform from relegation candidates to European contenders in 18 months, and he is not about to get carried away.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Moyes said: “I’d love to say it was [a possibility] as I’m trying to be more positive than I would normally be, but for Everton to even be in the mix for Europe is unbelievable, whether it is Conference League or Champions League.”
He added: “We were sitting here last year just beginning to edge ourselves away from relegation and still had lots of money to pay off, new ownership and 10 or 12 players out of contract – so for us to be in the position we are now is just great.”
The Scot knows the value of staying grounded. “I’d say if we can get a position in top 10 we’d see it as a really good season, not near the bottom of the table fighting relegation. But I think we’re here now, I don’t want to step away because you don’t get many chances, so I think every game we have to see if we can get points and see if we can give ourselves a chance of getting into one of the European competitions.”
Everton have not featured in the Champions League proper since 1970-71, when it was known as the European Cup. That drought could end in the next two months. The performance against Chelsea showed what this team is capable of. The belief is building. And with seven games left, the dream is very much alive.
Can Everton under David Moyes land a long-awaited Champions League spot?
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