Michail Antonio shares what he noticed about Everton in the first five minutes last weekend

By Tom Avery

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio could tell that Everton were “nervy” and “shaky” when the Hammers beat them on Sunday.

Despite drawing level at the London Stadium through a Mason Holgate goal, Frank Lampard’s side succumbed to a 2-1 loss following a Jarrod Bowen winner.

The Toffees struggles were compounded when they were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline at Burnley last night.

The defeat at Turf Moor means Everton are one point above the relegation zone with nine Premier League games remaining.

In wretched form and drained of confidence and self-belief, there is a growing possibility that the Goodison Park side could be relegated to the Championship.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio spoke about Everton’s struggles and the panic he sensed in their performance.

The striker said: “Yeah you could tell they are quite nervy in the game, the first five or 10 minutes they were not really on the ball.

“They were on it but passing sideways and every time we broke on them, we were creating chances, so at the back they were a bit shaky.

“Going forward, it’s the same thing, where in that situation it’s getting people to feel confident on the ball and whether they are going to press.

“I’ve done it, it’s hard, it’s just someone trying to grab it by the balls and lift the boys.”

Burnley boss Sean Dyche knew his side still had a chance despite trailing 2-1 at half-time because of Everton’s fragile mentality.

He said: “I said at half-time, I’m not sure [Everton] know how to win a game lads.”

Following last night’s defeat against the Clarets, it was evident that Lampard and his players gave the travelling Everton faithful a wide berth following the final whistle.