**Everton Faces Relegation Crisis: A Closer Look at Their Disastrous Start**

Everton’s start to the 2023-2024 season has been nothing short of a disaster, with the Toffees currently facing an uphill battle to avoid dropping down to the Championship. After just four rounds of Premier League fixtures, the club sits embarrassingly at the bottom of the table, with only one win to their name and a staggering 17th-place ranking. The early stages of the season have been defined by poor performance, defensive vulnerabilities, and a lack of creativity in attack, leaving fans and experts alike wondering if the club can turn things around before it’s too late.

### A Poor Start: Everton’s Form is a Cause for Concern

Everton’s early season form has been nothing short of abysmal. A single victory in their first four matches speaks volumes about their struggles on the pitch. The club has consistently failed to secure three points, with defensive lapses and a lack of attacking precision proving to be their Achilles’ heel. Key players like James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have been unable to replicate their form from last season, leaving the backline exposed and vulnerable to opposition attacks.

### Midfield Woes: The Heart of the Issue

The heart of Everton’s problems lies in the midfield. While the likes of Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure have shown flashes of brilliance, the overall quality and consistency in the middle of the park have been lacking. The midfield has often been slow to transition from defense to attack, and the creativity needed to break down high-pressing opposition defenses has been missing. This has left Everton struggling to control games and create clear-cut chances, which is a recipe for disaster in a league as competitive as the Premier League.

### Defensive Issues: A Weak Link Exacerbating the Crisis

Defensively, Everton has been a disaster. The club has consistently shipped goals, with their backline failing to deal with both aerial and ground threats. The absence of a commanding central defender has left Tarkowski and Keane exposed, and while they have tried to cover, the defensive organization has been leaky. Opponents have exploited this weakness with ease, leaving Everton’s manager, Bruno Guaita, with a big hole to fill in the coming weeks.

### Managerial Criticism: Fans and Experts Question Guaita’s Approach

As the pressure mounts, fans and experts are beginning to question Bruno Guaita’s approach. While the Italian has brought a more structured and disciplined mindset to Everton, his tactics have been criticized for being too cautious and overly defensive. Guaita’s reliance on defensive solidity has left the team unable to impose itself on matches, and the lack of a clear attacking identity has left the Toffees toothless in front of goal.

### Looking Ahead: Everton’s Must-Win Next Four Games

With the relegation zone tightening, Everton’s next four matches could be make-or-break for the club. Facing high-flying teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal in the coming weeks could see the Toffees pushed even further towards the bottom. If they fail to secure wins in these matches, their chances of survival will be all but gone.

### Conclusion: A Dark Cloud Hanging Over Everton

For a club with a rich history and a proud tradition, the current situation is a far cry from what Evertonians are used to. The early-season struggles have cast a dark cloud over the club, both on and off the pitch. The fans, who have always been the backbone of the club, are growing increasingly frustrated, and the pressure is mounting on everyone associated with Everton to turn things around.

The next few weeks will be critical for Everton. If they can rediscover their form and find a way to turn their season around, they might still have a chance to avoid relegation. But with each passing match, the odds against them seem to grow longer. For now, all eyes are on Everton as they attempt to navigate this crisis and see if they can save their Premier League status.