In-depth analysis of Everton’s tactical changes under Roberto Martinez

Shot Accuracy

Statistical Breakdown

In the first 11 league games of last season, Everton fired 154 shots on goal, with a shot accuracy of 51% – the highest number of shots of any Premier League side (see below).

Everton made the greatest number of shots after the opening 11 games last season.

This season Everton have tested opposition goalkeepers with 112 shots, with a shot accuracy of 51% – six teams have attempted more shots.

Analysis

This is where you begin to see a difference in the philosophy and style utilised by both managers.

David Moyes preferred his Everton side to attack via the flanks, using the somewhat telepathic understanding of Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar to great effect. Longer passing lengths were commonly seen under the Scot’s management, achieving a direct attacking style of football.

Roberto Martínez has Everton playing a stereotypical Spanish style of football; patient approach play, shorter passing lengths and carefully planned attacks. By using this strategy, the number of shots will be limited – a consequence of his chosen philosophy.

Possession

Statistical Breakdown

Everton achieved an average possession total of 52% throughout the first 11 games of last season, completing 3,710 passes (81% accuracy) with an average pass length of 21 metres.

Comparison of possession & passing totals after 11 matches.

Everton have achieved an average possession total of 54% this season, completing 4,491 passes (83% accuracy) with an average pass length of 19 metres.

Analysis

Once again, two distinct styles are apparent, with Everton shifting the ball from side to side with far greater purpose under Martínez.

The analysis here speaks for itself: possession of the ball is of greater importance.

Chances Created

Statistical Breakdown

Everton created the most goal scoring chances of any team at this stage last season, with a total of 172 (see below). Whereas this season, they’ve only created 106 chances – Tottenham Hotspur are the most creative team with a total of 148.

Everton created 172 chances after the opening 11 fixtures last season.

This goes to show that last season’s total, after the opening 11 fixtures, was by far the highest total throughout the last two seasons!

Analysis

Inventiveness and chance creation has decreased due to a desire for greater possession totals.

“EVERTON’S CURRENT 4-2-3-1 FORMATION COULD BE SEEN AN ATTACKING VARIANT OF MOYES’ TRIED AND TRUSTED 4-4-1-1.”

Baines and Pienaar, ever the creative force last season, have created 22 chances for Roberto Martínez. Sound like a lot? Far from it. During the opening 11 matches of the 2012-13 campaign, the pair created a staggering 70 chances.

Everton’s current 4-2-3-1 formation could be seen an attacking variant of Moyes’ tried and trusted 4-4-1-1 – the wide players pushed on. However, creativity has been severely reduced.

Conclusion

As Johan Cruyff once said: “If you play on possession, you don’t have to defend, because there’s only one ball.”

Larger possession totals have enabled them to remain solid at the back under Roberto Martínez, with fewer goals conceded and fewer defensive errors.

In an attacking sense, Everton are somewhat lacking this season, failing to score against Crystal Palace at the weekend – the Premier League’s whipping boys with 21 goals conceded.

Their new Spanish manager has sought to instil a possession philosophy, which features a greater emphasis on ball retention, and as a result, their attacking power has diminished. Leighton Baines was Everton’s creative nucleus last season, yet even he is playing with a reserved mentality this time around.

An increase in goals at both ends of the pitch. Or an improved defensive structure at the cost of attacking potency. The latter is in full effect at Goodison Park.