Everton have given themselves the best chance they have at the moment of staying up, according to former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr.
Frank Lampard's side earned a shock 1-0 victory over Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea on Sunday, earning three much-needed points.
The win moved Everton to just two points below Leeds United in the relegation places, with a game in hand. With only five games left of the season, Everton will need to get every point they can in order to stay in the top flight.
Speaking to Off The Ball after performing commentary duties for the match, Kerr explained what Lampard's men have done to turn their season around.
"Well, they've certainly adjusted the style of play," Kerr said. "They've gotten seven points from their last four games. If you asked any Everton supporter would they take seven points from the last four games they'd say, 'yes, please!'
"They've obviously played a much tighter system. They changed today again with the five at the back... with Seamus [Coleman] going into the third centre half.
"It was very effective. It allowed the the centre halves to go after [Timo] Werner and [Mason] Mount playing as whatever the two number 10s are called now. They defended very well, and waited on their chance.
"They didn't get too many chances in the first half, but they worked hard to get the chances in the second half."
The performance against the current number three club was what really impressed Kerr, not just the result.
"Richarlison played very well," Kerr said. "Mostly as a defensive centre forward, chasing around Chelsea's centre backs to stop the build-up play.
"They got their reward, they got the goal and they dug in. It did take some great saves from [Jordan] Pickford to keep Chelsea out. But it is a massive victory for them, and it gives them a good chance."
However, in spite of their improvements over the last few weeks, Everton's fate is not solely in their own hands.
"Unfortunately, from their point of view, Burnley are on a bit of a run as well," Kerr said. "They've run three games in a row. Leeds are there, they are not in a great situation.
"But, Everton have given themselves a great chance, and there will obviously be confidence in the side now, having won that game today.
"Can they do something in the away matches now, that's the question. Their away form has been very poor.
"There are still points there for them to get... I think they will need 38 points to stay up."
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