The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world as has been proven by the emergence of several teams outside the 'Big 4' like defending champions Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the recent seasons. These teams have not necessarily been prime contenders to lift the trophy but have given the big boys a run for their money by beating them comprehensively. A new entrant to this list is Merseyside club Everton F.C
Everton is a club which has been in the Premier League for quite some time and consistently finished in the top half of the table with occasional appearances in UEFA cup. Having lived in the shadows of next door neighbours Liverpool, the club has made significant progress in the last few campaigns.
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| United fans will remember this scoreline for years to come |
Last season Everton single-handedly turned the title race on
its head with a comeback 4-4 draw against Manchester United and have continued
with the good form this season with an opening day victory against the Red
Devils. But unlike previous seasons Everton have not fizzled away after a
wonderful start to their campaign and made themselves serious contenders for a
champions’ league spot.
18 Yard Box analyses the reasons for their emergence from
the mediocre.
Midfield Industry
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| The Belgian has been Everton's revelation this season |
Over the years Everton has acquired and trained several
youngsters and experienced veterans who have started to flourish in their
respective roles. Marouane Fellaini has emerged from the shadows of Tim Cahill
and Mikel Arteta and stamped his authority on the Everton game. He has been
pivotal in all the games he has played for the Toffees. Not only can he score
and set-up chances but the young Belgian is also a force to be reckoned with in the
air and while defending. The strength of Fellaini is suitably complimented by
the pace of Stephen Pienaar who has made a successful return to Goodison Park
after a disappointing spell at Tottenham Hotspur. The likes of Leon Osman, Phil
Neville and Darren Gibson are also pitching in with notable contributions on
the pitch where it matters the most.
A genuine strike
Partnership
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| The former Rangers pair have taken Goodison by storm |
Everton had a serious problem in the forward department for
a few seasons as the manager failed to find a strong and reliable strike force
for his team. Players like Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe
have all failed to deliver vital goals for the team. This put a lot of pressure
on the midfield to supply score and even saw Tim Cahill play the role of a
second striker in the team. The recent acquisition of Croatian Nikica Jelavic
and Steven Naismith from Glasgow Rangers has given the team a potent,
well-tested strike force. Jelavic has displayed signs of being the ruthless
finisher which this team desperately needed now that Cahill is no longer at
Everton.
Player Loyalty and
Smart Buys
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| Does loyalty still exist? |
Everton has often been a supplier of top quality talent for
other big clubs for many years. Lack of trophies and big money has seen many
players walk out of Goodison Park. David Moyes had addressed this problem and
justified why squad building has been his biggest headache. However, this
transfer window saw the departure of the inexperienced Jack Rodwell and not the
likes of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini which would have further
depleted the squad. Moyes’ investment in youngsters like Bryan Oviedo, Kevin
Mirralas and Darren Gibson might reap dividends in the near future.
Master Tactician
and Fund Manager
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| Everton is surely his baby |
The credit for Everton’s emergence goes to none other than
the man himself David Moyes. He has built the team from scratch and developed
young talent when his most crucial players have left him. The club is not well
endowed with funds to buy the best players but he has continued to serve the
club selflessly. Moyes believes in systems and formations where every player
plays in his best position and simultaneously fits in his system. His brilliant
man management skills and tactics have seen his team get the better of the best teams around in
the Premier League. He is also touted to be a successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at
Manchester United by the press as it is believed that he would do much better if he takes the job of a bigger team. Whether he makes the shift to big boys is still
unknown but his team has certainly made the leap into the big league.
Comment: The success or the failure of Everton largely will depend on
their away form and fitness of their important players like Fellaini, Baines
and Jelavic. It is crucial for Everton to win a trophy this season to ensure
that their priced players are not tempted for a move away from the club. Sitting in the top 4 is a pressure they will have to handle. If they can keep their star men fit then surely they will be breaking a heart or two in the top half of the Premier League.
18 Yard Box wishes the Toffees good luck in their endeavours.
Written By,
Pranav Shenoy
Pranav is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box
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