Soccer-Most top flight years counts for nothing as Everton face up to reality of relegation threat

Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - March 7, 2022 Everton fans during the match REUTERS/David Klein

LONDON (Reuters) - Everton's 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Monday was a stark reminder that the team who have spent more years in England's top flight than any other have no divine right to stay there and that they are now absolutely involved in a relegation battle.

The defeat leaves them one place and one point above the drop zone, and even though they have games in hand on those around them, on current form those are more likely to worsen their goal difference rather than earn precious points.