Everton were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Norwich City earlier this month.
Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he is shocked that Everton went out of the EFL Cup against Norwich City, as it could have a knock-on impact on their Premier League season.
Everton have started their campaign in impressive form, but they followed up their defeat against Norwich with a loss against Bournemouth last weekend.
And Merson is now concerned that the Toffees have put added pressure on themselves to do well in the Premier League, by going out of the cup.
“I was more shocked with the defeat to Norwich,” Merson said. “You look at Everton and ask whether they’re going to win the Premier League – I don’t think so. Can they get a good cup run? Very much so.
“As soon as that happens, you go to Bournemouth and you’re behind the eight ball and the pressure is on now to get in the top four.
“A good cup run keeps the fans happy, and if they could get in the top six – great.”
Everton’s performance against Bournemouth was well short of their best, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.
Ronald Koeman will still be very pleased with his start at Goodison Park, though, as the Merseyside club have been in very impressive form.
Everton are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table, and they seem to be a much more solid side than they were last season.
Koeman’s side are next in action later this evening, when they take on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
If Everton are able to beat Palace, they will move up to second in the Premier League table ahead of this weekend’s action.
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