After finishing off the 1989-90 season in emphatic form, Everton looked set for a decent campaign during the 90-91 term. Everton had a good side including the likes of Kevin Sheedy, Neville Southhall, Stuart McCall, Mike Newell and Pat Nevin and their campaign was by no means poor. In a strong first division, Everton faired well in comparison to the other clubs who had all considerably strengthened their squads. They finished the season off in ninth position. The highlight of their campaign came during the forth round of the FA Cup as they excited Liverpool to a 4-4 draw and then won the replay emphatically. Everton were eventually knocked out in the last eight, losing to West Ham United, 2-1.
The following season was a time of transition for the Hammers as they sold their star defender, Gary Ablett, however they did strengthen their team considerably, purchasing Peter Beardsley and David Burrows. The end product to their season was respectable, they finished the season in mid table in 12th position and embarked on decent cup runs, reaching the forth rounds in both the League and FA cups.
The 92-93 season saw a gradual decline in Everton’s form, after a decent start they fell as the season progressed and finished off in 13th position. After being knocked out in the last 16 of the league cup, they had their worst season in the FA Cup for eleven years, as they bowed out in the third round, losing 2-1 at home, against Wimbledon.
Their FA Cup form did not improve the following season as they crashed out the competition in the third round, this time losing to Bolton in a replay. Everton were awful in the league, finishing in 17th position, their worst finish in 14 seasons.