Everton have made Piers Morgan look foolish by beating the drop to dispel his mid-season prediction.
In January, Sean Dyche’s first game as Toffees boss saw him welcome league leaders Arsenal to Goodison Park. It could not have been much difficult for the former Burnley manager on paper but, against the odds, Everton ground out a 1-0 win.
That result showed the first signs of weakness in an Arsenal title charge that, up until that point, showcased unwavering confidence. Three points also instilled belief into Blues that survival could be secured - a feat they achieved with a 1-0 triumph over Bournemouth on the final day.
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As for the Gunners, their season ended in disaster, blundering an eight-point lead at the start of April to surrender the Premier League title. With Manchester City hot on their heels, Mikel Arteta’s side capitulated during the run-in to finish the campaign empty-handed.
Arsenal (248 days) broke Newcastle United’s unwanted record of most days spent on top of the league without being crowned champions. Draws to Southampton and West Ham - combined with defeats to Brighton and Liverpool - saw their title hopes blow up in smoke.
Everton fans were taunted by Morgan - who made a bullish and incorrect prediction - following the contest back in January.
At the time the TV presenter tweeted: "Dismal Arsenal performance today - we've been bullied around by one of the worst teams in the Premier League. Inexplicable."
When Everton responded with a witty GIF Morgan doubled down on his criticism - insisting the Toffees would go down. He replied: "See how cocky you’re feeling when we win the league and you get relegated.”
It’s safe to say there are only one set of supporters in good spirits now, with Arsenal’s wait for a Premier League trophy extending to 19 years and Everton retaining their top-flight status.
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