Hardly anyone at Goodison Park looked forward to the Christmas holidays when the Premier League schedule was announced. On top of being one of the relegation candidates, Everton were set to face Arsenal at Emirates, Chelsea at home, and Man City at Etihad, all between December 14 and Boxing Day.Dele on his Everton farewell: “It’s time to turn new page”And what did Sean Dyche and his crew do? When the public expected three convincing defeats, they salvaged three draws and proved why they are one of only six clubs to have never been relegated from the Premier League, as well as that they are worthy of staying in the top tier.Arsenal ❌Chelsea ❌Man City ❌Everton are playing TOUGH this December 👀 pic.twitter.com/sUqbGQsyTt— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) December 26, 2024 The Toffees successfully anaesthetized Arsenal’s primary weapon – set pieces, skillfully defended the fortress against Chelsea, and snatched a point against the Cityzens, mainly thanks to Jordan Pickford and his penalty stop.Many may not like Dyche and his playing style and tactics, as his teams usually play physical football with little creativity and beauty. However, the 53-year-old manager is an “old hand” and a “man for the job,” especially if that job is staying in the Premier League.Everton’s joint-second PL top scorer – Wolverhampton defender?!After all, he led Burnley to their best-ever seventh spot in the PL in 2018. In addition, he took over Everton’s bench from Frank Lampard on January 30, 2023, and was named “Manager of the Month” already in April.The Gunners, Blues, and Cityzens all “got Dyched,” and many Premier League sides will, too, until the end of the season. Either way, Everton won’t be relegated because they deserved to stay, and the past two weeks are clear evidence.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 18Thursday Manchester City – Everton 1-1 (1-1)/Silva 14 – Ndiaye 36/Bournemouth – Crystal Palace 0-0Chelsea – Fulham 1-2 (1-0)/Palmer 16 – Wilson 82, Muniz 90+5/Newcastle – Aston Villa 3-0 (1-0)/Gordon 2, Isak 59, Joelinton 90+1/Nott. Forest – Tottenham 1-0 (1-0)/Elanga 28/Southampton – West Ham 0-1 (0-0)/Bowen 59/Wolverhampton – Man.Utd. 2-0 (0-0)/Cunha 58, Hwang 90+9/Liverpool – Leicester 3-1 (1-1)/Gakpo 45+1, Jones 49, Salah 82 – Ayew 6/Friday 22.30: (1.70) Brighton (3.90) Brentford (4.90)23.15: (1.13) Arsenal (8.50) Ipswich (19.0)***odds are subject to change***
