Rafael Benitez could be sacked by Everton after Merseyside derby defeat

Everton plan to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Rafael Benitez’s future following the disappointing 4-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool.

The Toffees made a fine start to the season with 13 points from six games, but they have picked up just two points from their next eight matches.

Benitez was appointed earlier this year with the view to pushing for European football, but they now find themselves in a potential relegation battle.

The club are just five points adrift of safety, and the gap could be reduced tonight if Burnley spring in a surprise against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sport Italia journalist Rudy Galetti now claims that an emergency board meeting is scheduled. Benitez could be sacked before the Arsenal game.

The Merseyside outfit have not been helped by the injury absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been instrumental up front for them.

They should have still anticipated such a situation. Salomon Rondon was signed last summer to provide back-up, but he has struggled to impress.

The Financial Fair Play rules restricted the Toffees from spending. Benitez has hinted that they could spend in January after James Rodriguez’s exit.

Judging by recent results, there could be a new head coach in the dugout before the transfer window reopens.

Duncan Ferguson previously did a fine job as the caretaker manager. The 49-year-old is likely to take up the interim role if Benitez is dismissed.

The Toffees entertain Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday evening.