Is it time for the toffees?

Everton have been the inferior team on Merseyside since their glory days in the 1980's and have had to be content with countless mid table finishes. However, David Moyes has slowly worked his magic and despite having to work with a tight budget, has brought a certain degree of success. He has achieved the first objective of earning the title as the best team on Merseyside, and now has his eyes set on a return to the Champions League; which they briefly tasted in 2005. But with Moyes' team lighting up this Premier League season with a number of impressive performances so far; can Moyes and his men return to the Champions League?

David Moyes has worked wonders at Everton since his
appointment in 2002
Everton have made a terrific start, picking up 14 points from 7 games. They have looked impressive in the process, hitting the back of the net 14 times whilst also keeping clean sheets on 3 occasions. But most impressive of all is that their start hasn't been easy at all. 4 away games, in addition to a terrific battling 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Goodison Park, is evidence of the quality that the Everton team currently possesses. With such classy displays put in by the Toffees in their opening 7 games, if they manage to maintain their form for the rest of the season then a Champions League place will most likely be the reward for their efforts.

The Everton team also oozes quality in almost every department on the pitch. The combination of Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar down the left is pivotal in the success of their team, as their quality and link up play down the left causes trouble to any defence in the league. Miralles' acquisition to the Toffees up front to combine with Jelavic is also an inspired signing, whereas Jagielka and Distin's quality partnership in defence ensures they have a fairly solid defence as well as a menacing attack. But for me, Fellaini has been a stand out performer so far. Obviously revelling in being played further up the park, the Belgian has been sensational so far, using his physical power and technical ability to propel Everton to 4th place in the division. He alone can scare the life out of defences, and his outstanding solo performance against United not only highlighted his quality; but also his worth in a very good Everton team.

Fellaini has transformed into one of Everton's most influential
players
But Everton do have some fragility which may haunt them and consequently stunt their progress this season. Although their squad depth has improved in recent years, I strongly doubt whether it is sufficient enough in order to challenge for the Champions League places. Phil Neville provides suitable cover in defensive and midfield departments, but his age is restricting his ability to cover at an efficient Premier League standard. But the major worry is that if one of their influential players gets injured, they are really in a sticky situation. Fellaini has recently suffered an injury and it is unknown how long he will be out of action for, and the inability to provide quality cover that the big clubs have at their disposal is a real downfall for the Merseyside club.
In addition, It could be argued that Everton just don't have the spending power to challenge for a Champions League place. Everton simply cannot match the money being thrown about by England's top clubs. Although they do have quality players within the ranks, this lack of spending power severely restricts their ability to attract world class players. This has also limited the strength in depth available in the ranks, and this lack of quality in abundance may come back to haunt them later on in the season.

Baines and Jelavic are two of a number of quality players
at the blue half of Merseyside
To be successful this season, it is essential that Everton maintain their early season form and don't lose momentum. Typically known as a team that struggles at the start of the season, they seem to have rid themselves of this title and have hit the ground running. They’re playing extremely well at the moment, and if they maintain this form throughout the season then they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. They have quality players all over the park in the form Baines, Fellaini and Jelavic, but their strength in depth is real cause for concern. Their lack of spending power has caused this fragility, and I can only see it getting worse for them unless a cash injection is provided. That being said, I believe that Everton will not return to the Champions League next season. However, it is a delight to see the Toffees starting the season so brightly, and I predict that they will finish strongly and only narrowly miss out on a coveted Champions League spot.

Comments

  1. Unknown22 November 2012 at 14:55

    we won 1-0 against Man United at Goodison

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TheAddick5 December 2012 at 11:56

      My mistake, changed it now, thanks for letting me know

      Delete

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