Everton v Sunderland: Key stats and talking points

Everton take on Sunderland in their final home game of the season with both sides still harbouring faint hopes of European qualification.

Everton's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend felt like two points dropped instead of one point gained, not only because they led twice at Selhurst Park, but because they lost ground in the race for European qualification.

"It's amazing that we are actually talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go – and we're not out of it yet," said manager David Moyes last Sunday. "[But] it's getting tougher every game we're not winning."

The Toffees' last Premier League victory came almost two months ago at home against Chelsea and Moyes is right – their current run of five top-flight games without a win (D3, L2) could cost them a place in a continental competition next season.

The Blues have already surpassed last season's points tally of 48 and probably need to another six to that total if they are to stand a decent chance of securing European football at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026-27 campaign.

Garner going the distance

Striker Beto may have scored five times in his past five games, but usual midfielder and occasional full-back James Garner has arguably been Everton's player of the season.

The 25-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances with a first England call-up in March and still has a chance of making Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.

Garner is one of six outfield players to start all 36 Premier League games this season and he also scored when Everton faced Sunderland in the FA Cup back in January.