Paul Merson predicts when Everton could sack Rafa Benitez

Sat 4 December 2021 10:21, UK

Paul Merson has claimed that Everton boss Rafa Benitez has “about 90 minutes left” at Goodison Park.

The Toffees manager is under increasing pressure following a poor run of results.

Everton started the season well, with four wins and a draw from five Premier League games.

However, the Blues have endured some of the worst form in the top flight since then.

Everton have won just one game since mid-September, against relegation-battling Norwich.

And in midweek, Merseyside rivals Liverpool completely embarrassed Everton at Goodison Park.

Benitez’s former club handed the Toffees a resounding 4-1 defeat.

On Monday, Everton are in action against Arsenal, who have been in impressive form for the most part.

Merson, writing on , believes that Monday’s game at Goodison could be Benitez’s last at home.

Everton have two games away from home after the Gunners clash.

Therefore, Merson appears to be suggesting Benitez may have no more than three games to save his job, and could be gone before Christmas.

Predicting a 2-1 defeat for Everton, Merson wrote: “I think Rafael Benitez has about 90 minutes left at Goodison Park.

“When I played in the Premier League, Everton was one of the hardest places to win a match.

“The place was three-quarters empty this week, and Everton fans are clearly not having any more of Benitez.

“Arsenal were unlucky the other day, and I thought they missed too many chances against United.

“They need to come back and win this game.

“They’ve been beating the teams they should be beating this season, and I think they’ll be able to turn the screws on Everton.”

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