Hard road for Blues to get into Europe

IF anyone believes Everton’s season is over, take a deep breath - and do not worry, this is not a claim the Blues will end up being dragged into a relegation battle.

- By JOE THOMAS

Unlikely though it may be, there is still a route to Europe available to David Moyes' team.

It would take an odds-defying series of events for it to unfold - including English domination of the European competitions - but a spot in next season's Europa Conference League could fall to the team that finishes 11th in the Premier League.

Reaching the top of the bottom half would be a tough ask for Everton.

Brentford, currently in that position, are seven points clear with nine games left.

It would be well within Everton’s grasp had the chances to turn the last four draws into wins been taken - including Beto’s three missed one on ones at Brentford last month.