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Roberto Martinez has transformed this Everton side from a one trick pony to a fearsome attacking threat
It was yet another season of the Barclays Premier League where it boiled down to the last day and the scenes at Merseyside described them all. While rivals Liverpool finished agonisingly second, neighbours Everton let themselves down as losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester City ensured that after having a fabulous season where they racked up their record points tally in the Premier League era, the Toffees finished fifth.
The year was 2002. Everton had just signed David Moyes to fill their managerial woes. Well, who would’ve known that the Scotsman would steer them into dizzying heights that the Everton faithful were ecstatic about. A decade later, Moyesa left Goodison Park as he was hand picked by Sir Alex to become the next manager of Manchester United as he called curtains to his two and half decade long glorious career.
David Moyes built what was to be an outfit which often exceeded expectations but was never the finished product. As the new manager arrived, so did new ideas. Roberto Martinez and his side ensured that Merseyside was not only about Liverpool, what with the duo of SAS shredding teams week in week out. After a string of stunning performances, Everton were probably one of the teams of the season.
And after having such a season, it’s just right on our part to analyze the good and well, the not so good.
Positives and Negatives
The Toffees have had a season to remember and they were filled with performances that caught the eye. Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu have been tremendous this season. Dribbling past defenders with ease, the two of them have caused immense problems to the opposition. Same applies to Belgian Romelu Lukaku who has had a staggering season up front as he has scored 15 goals during the campaign. Gareth Barry and Seamus Coleman have been unsung heroes for the team and it’d be sad to see Barry leave if he does at the end of the season.
One area where Everton must improve is the depth of the team. When Lukaku was injured, there were none in the bench who were able to shoulder the responsibility of the main striker and that certainly dented their chances of winning. If there was one area where Everton were truly on top, it must be the central midfield. Gareth Barry and James McCarthy seemed as though they had been playing for years. But when even one of them was unavailable, the team was in shackles. Also, Everton must quickly find a replacement for the ageing Sylvain Distin.
Best and Worst player
Seamus Coleman has emerged one of the many revelations at Everton this season
Although Everton have had many players who strike their claim to be the best player this season, Seamus Coleman has by far been the most deserving. Possibly the best Right Back in Europe right now, Coleman has been very consistent and has been an influential part of this Toffees line up. His runs down the wing have caused shivers down the opposition’s spine and his crosses have been a delight. His goal against Swansea shows us that he can be a lethal attacker and mind you, he’s been solid while defending.
While Coleman has been simply outstanding, Croat Nikica Jelavi? hasn’t had one of the better seasons of his career. Preferred to Lukaku by Martinez, Jelavi? hardly made any contribution with both his goals coming against relegated QPR in a FA Cup third round match. Jelavi? looked out of sorts with the Toffees this year after he enjoyed the little success he did achieve the past few seasons. This combined with Lukaku’s rich vein of form ensured that Jelavi?’s time was all but over for at least this season for the Toffees and he sought a move out of Goodison Park and he did when Hull City bought him in the January transfer window.
A few stats would be good, right? So here are a few.
72 – The number of points Everton got this season- Their highest ever tally in a single PL campaign. Their previous best was 65 in 2007/08
83.7 – Everton have had a pass success rate of 83.7 % completing 15,317 passes out of the 18,297 they attempted
48 – Leighton Baines created more chances this than any other defender in the PL this season. That does say something, doesn’t it?
39 – Number of goals conceded by Roberto Martinez’s men, the third lowest after Chelsea who let in a mere 27 goals and champions Manchester City who conceded a few goals less as they finished who conceded 37 goals in their successful campaign.
15- The number of clean sheets kept by the Toffees this season.
Best XI
Everton’s best Xi of the season
Manager Analysis:
Roberto Martinez has marshalled his troops extremely well. Bringing in Lukaku and promoting Barkley proved to be two master strokes. His tactical approach to the game have ensured that he has given the bigger teams a good run for their money. The demolishing of Arsenal would be on top. Everton played as though they were playing against school kids. He has been extremely supportive of his team and has ensured that Everton are not a team to be taken lightly off. While many had written him off after Moyes’ long career at Goodison, Martinez brought back the feel-good factor and he took it to the next level. He has risen the hopes of the blue side of Merseyside and he has taken Everton to the next level. Next season though, it won’t be an easy ride to replicate this and it’d be interesting to see how they perform.
What do they have to do for next season?
Everton have has an amazing season and they have sure exceeded pre season expectations. Yes, the Barkley’s and the Mirallas’ would still be there. But consistency is needed. Barry, Deulofeu and Lukaku, three integral members are all on loan at Goodison and Martinez would have a tough job to find suitable replacements for the trio. Therefore, the first thing Martinez and his team need to do are find replacements.
Then comes the issue of the depth of the squad. Tim Howard is another player who is reaching the end of his career. After spells at Manchester United, New York Red Bulls and North Jersey Imperials, Howard is reaching possibly to the end of his long career. At 35, he is becoming older and although he is one of the best in the business, Everton must soon find a second choice goalkeeper who could replace him any point of time. Along with the goalkeeper spot, the central defence should also be bolstered.
Conclusion
The toffees have had a spectacular season and there is lot of hope for the future. The likes of Barkley and Stones would surely be there for years to come and to see them blossom at such a young age is a welcome sign. Expectations for the next season though are skyrocketing now and if Everton are able to match what they did this season, it would be fantastic. And don’t be surprised if they do seal a spot in the top 4.
