The race no-one wants to win - are Everton serious top-five contenders?

Why it matters: A surprise European berth could reshape club finances and the Premier League hierarchy.
- Arsenal are on track to win the Premier League, unbeaten in their last six games, according to the coverage.
- Manchester City remain the only other unbeaten side, but their cushion is eroding as rivals close in.
- Manchester United top the form table over the past ten matches with 23 points, narrowing the gap to City before the international break.
- Aston Villa enjoyed an eight‑game winning run but have slipped after three consecutive losses, jeopardising their third‑place grip.
- Liverpool have recorded ten league defeats—a low not seen since 2015‑16—casting doubt on their Champions League qualification.
- Everton sit eighth, just three points off the top five with seven games remaining, and manager David Moyes says a Champions League spot is “unbelievable but possible.”
With Arsenal and City cementing the top two, the battle for the remaining three Champions League spots has turned into a chaotic sprint, as traditional heavyweights stumble and surprise contenders like Everton surge into contention.

