Despite the agony of yet another late derby defeat, Everton cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves as they travel to West Ham with their European hopes still alive.
The Toffees head to London in 10th place but are just three points behind sixth-placed Brighton in what is becoming a fascinating race for Europe.
If they are to maintain that challenge, then they will need to shake off any lingering disappointment from last weekend, despite the cruel ending to what had been a good performance.
There
was a crushing inevitability about Liverpool’s late winner – there were audible groans when 11 added minutes were shown and again when they won a corner in the 10th of those 11.
It is small consolation, but the familiarity of such a derby defeat should hopefully mean that everyone can move on quickly. It is a well-worn path for Evertonians to take.
Some perspective is needed too. It was just a fourth league defeat in 13, with three of those against sides in the top five, and none of the other European contenders have pulled too far ahead.
Four of their remaining five games are against sides below them in the table. Three wins from those five (easier said than done, of course) should be enough to secure continental qualification for the first time in nine years.
Time to get back on the horse.
The opposition
It is a relief for Everton fans to watch the relegation battle from a distance after years of struggle, but they can certainly empathise with West Ham supporters as their club hovers menacingly above the drop zone.
The Hammers are just two points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham as they look to avoid a first relegation since 2011.
With Leeds and Nottingham Forest virtually safe on 40 and 39 points respectively, it looks like a straight shootout between West Ham and Spurs for the final relegation spot.
Saturday feels like a pivotal day in that battle, with Tottenham away to Wolves in a game they probably have to win if they are to avoid one of the biggest relegations of recent times, with Aston Villa, Leeds Chelsea and Everton to follow.
West Ham will be eyeing this game up too, as they travel to Brentford and then host Arsenal in their next two.
Basically, this game is huge for both sides and could have ramifications at each end of the table.
Nuno Espirito Santo, whose first game after replacing the sacked Graham Potters was against Everton in September, has made his side tough to beat at home. They are unbeaten in eight in all competitions at the London Stadium since a 2-1 defeat against Forest in early January that left them seven points from safety and seemingly destined for the drop. However, only two of those have been wins (with three FA Cup draws going to extra time), meaning they still have plenty to do if they are to stay above the dotted line.
Team news
Everton will be without Beto after he sustained a concussion during last week’s game against Liverpool. Thierno Barry is the obvious player to come in, though David Moyes hinted in his press conference that he could try something different.
Jarrad Branthwaite is also out with a hamstring injury suffered last weekend, though Moyes is hopeful he will be back in time to play a part in pre-season.
That leaves Jack Grealish as the only other injury absentee.
Final word
With Manchester City looming next, Everton really need to get something from this game, as three straight defeats could be terminal to their top-eight hopes. The Toffees’ fine away record should give the fans hope, but with so much on the line for West Ham, this could go either way.
