Former Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate still believes that Everton’s away form could cost them in the battle to avoid relegation. The Toffees moved to within two points of Leeds and Burnley, still with a game in hand, following their 1-0 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park.
But Everton’s form on their own turf is not the reason behind their struggles this season, but more so their atrocious points return away from home. The Toffees have won just once on their travels, picking up six points in the process – which is comfortably the worst in the league.
And despite their recent improvement in results over recent weeks, their form on the road has remained as poor as ever, losing seven in a row – six of which have come under Frank Lampard. After their home win over Chelsea on Sunday, many now consider Everton as the favourites to stay up.
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However, both of Everton’s next two matches come away from Goodison Park, as they face trips to Leicester City and Watford in the space of four days. Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Woodgate believes they will have to improve that away form for the run-in if they are to stay up.
He said: “That’s the problem. When you look at their away form - six points all season away from home. The last victory was at Brighton on August 28. That isn’t good enough for a team of Everton’s standards. If they keep Mina fit and they keep that spine they’ve got more of a chance, but their home form is imperative.”
