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Post by Everton News. on Oct 22, 2014 18:03:44 GMT
 What a difference an international break can make. To say that Everton were in crisis a couple of weeks ago might have been pushing things a bit too far, but the Blues were definitely at the wrong end of the table, results weren’t going their way and the injury list was beginning to look horrendous. Everton had won just one league game out of seven, and none at Goodison, which last season had proved to be such a fortress. The European qualifiers came and went, and when the Premiership took centre stage once more Everton were able to send out a couple of welcome reinforcements to their teamsheet. The addition of Ross Barkley made the headlines, but no less important was the inclusion of Seamus Coleman, back from a hamstring injury. The Irishman has become a key player for Everton, offering endless energy and providing a real threat going forward. John Stones and Sylvain Distin may still be keeping the Goodison physios busy, but the defence that took to the field against Villa had a much more reassuring look to it. Coleman was back, while Leyton Baines seems to have rediscovered some form and Phil Jagielka is transforming himself into a goal machine for both club and country. It was comforting to see the defence, which has come in for such criticism so far this season, firstly keep a clean sheet, and then contribute two of the three goals at the other end. Baines and Coleman have always been a key part of Everton’s attacking game, and the more Jagielka can add to the mix the better. Romelu Lukaku has hardly been in sparkling form this season and will have been happy to net for the third time following his £28m move from Chelsea. But the Belgian is probably more relieved than most to see Barkley’s return to the side. The striker looks at his most threatening when the England international is occupying the number 10 role behind him, and if the two of them remain fit there is a run of games coming up that could prove fruitful for both. Everton’s last six games have seen tricky fixtures against the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool, but the next half dozen fixtures look much simpler, at least on paper. Burnley, Swansea, Sunderland, West Ham, Spurs and Hull are opponents through to early December and Everton have a real chance to turn their season around. Win four or more of those games, and all look winnable if Everton find some form, even Tottenham away, and Everton should find themselves back in the hunt for European places. Lose three or four and the side will approach the congested Christmas period with real concerns about how this season is likely to pan out. The sides Everton must view as their closest rivals – Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd and Spurs – have hardly been setting the league alight either, and there is no reason why talk of a top four finish should be forgotten if November brings a return to form. There is of course the small matter of the Europa League to add to the mix. Roberto Martinez is taking the competition very seriously, seeing it as valuable experience as well as a potential route to the Champions League. Everton have started strongly and currently top their group with 4 points from two games. A trip to Lille is up next and should Everton remain unbeaten after that fixture they will have taken a huge stride towards getting out of their group. However the manager must be praying that the injury curse he has had to contend with doesn’t strike again. Two games in four days is never easy, and it will be up to Martinez to balance much needed results with keeping his available players fit and healthy. By Elliot Smither @thematchuk www.thematch.co.uk/future-looking-little-brighter-everton/ |
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