Glenn Hoddle has urged Everton’s board to stick with Rafa Benitez.
The Toffees claimed an impressive point after drawing 1-1 at Chelsea on Thursday, despite a number of injuries.
Chelsea took the lead in the 70th minute through Mason Mount but Jarrad Branthwaite equalised moments later with a close-range finish following Anthony Gordon's free kick.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph, Salomon Rondon, Tom Davies and Cenk Tosun were all absent for the game while captain Seamus Coleman and midfielder Allan were only fit enough to start on the bench.
DAVE PRENTICE COLUMN: Rafa Benitez tough love could work at Everton but what happens next is crucial
MOMENTS MISSED: What Tyler Onyango did after Jarrad Branthwaite goal as Ross Barkley silenced
So it represented an excellent result for Everton. However, it does mean they have won just one of their last 11 games.
That means their manager, Benitez, remains under the scrutiny.
But former Chelsea and England boss Hoddle would like to see him given time.
“They’ve been decimated with injuries. Key players as well, not squad players," Hoddle told BT Sport
“Key players who were going to start in your first XI.
“Look at Liverpool when they lost (Virgil) Van Djik and the goalkeeper, they went through that, as good as the Liverpool squad is.
“I think only Man City and Chelsea can cope with that sort of dissemination of injuries to key players.
“That’s where he (Benitez) is and the reality. The crowd and fans will have their own opinions. But, the board have to give him the time. If he doesn’t deliver that in the second half of the season - he’s on dodgy ground.”
Everton were due to host Leicester City on Sunday, however the game has been postponed because of a COVID outbreak in the Foxes' squad.
