The answer to the question has been a yes so far. The fans in Goodison Park are keen to host a few European matches. But it’s too early to predict anything in the Premier League. Everton having performed exceptionally this season have seen themselves above their city rivals Liverpool. The home form has been amazing as Everton remain unbeaten at home with 3-wins and 4-draws.The away form hasn’t been bad either with just 2 losses on the cards. David Moyes side have been one of the most consistent team this seasons. Their new signings chipping in at the right time and the starlets performing well above the expectations, the side has gelled together to become one the formidable force in the Premier League.
Can Goodison Park be host to European football next season?
With the departure of Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta the midfield looked fragile and penetrable. And with the departure of Lescott, the Everton midfield and defence had lost its sheen. But David Moyes reacted at the right time to get in a few faces in the summer transfer window. Moyes called back his African winger Pienaar as he failed to perform at Tottenham. And with the signing of Steven Naismith, Mirallas and Darron Gibson the midfield was redefined. And Everton found a new shape in defence with the coming of Hitzlsperger, the attacking force was strengthened with the arrival of Jelavic.
Everton players have stepped up the gears at the right time which has seen them in the 6th place in the league table. The team on a whole has performed really well. Tim Howard has been in a really good form lately between the posts. The centre backs in the form of Jagielka and Distin haven’t done a bad job either. Baines has been exceptional down the left wing, and has scored twice already. The duo of Baines and Pienaar down the left has been a severe headache for several teams. The left wing has looked complete with the Pienaar and Baines getting in the crosses at the right time and beating players with pace and skill. Pienaar though tends to take up central positions more often. Naismith has been impressive on the right side of the midfield and has managed to find the net thrice. The strongest part of Everton’s game has been the central midfield and the strike force. Osman and Gibson have pulled the strings and held the midfield together, which has helped Fellaini play in a free position. Fellaini has been terrific and has scored 8times this season in just 14 games. He has been the player of the season for everton so far. The Belgian has been a nightmare to defenses, with his passing skills, deft touches and the ability to score. His physical presence in the 6 yard box makes things easier. Fellaini has been involved in most of the goals that Everton have scored. Jelavic has been fox in the box for the Everton with the absence of Victor Anichebe, not only has he managed to put the ball into the net 5 times, but has set up few of his teammates to score. Mirallas also has been a great signing and has shown that he doesn’t lack ability. The bench doesn’t lack quality either.
Everton have played a 4-2-3-1 formation so far which has proved to be effective.
Injuries have not been a concern to Everton so far. They have been forced to leave out their captain Phil Neville who is down with a knee injury, Seamus Coleman and Victor Anichebe feature on the injury list too.
Most of Evertons goals have come from set pieces this season, which looks to be a product of their training ground efforts. They have shown real character in attack and the defence has stayed strong. The midfield has been phenomenal with Fellaini leading from the front. But at times they tend to push forward in numbers and look vulnerable to a counter attack and at times have been too reliant on Fellaini and Jelavic to perform.
Everton have managed to get results out of tough fixtures this season and have made Goodison park a fortress so far. With almost half the season left, Everton might look to carry the momentum they have gained from these early games. Rather than looking forward to individual performances, the whole team has to chip in. With the summer transfers looming large, Fellaini coming under the radar of many European clubs, all that David Moyes has to do is convince the Belgian (Fellaini) to stay.
With the way they are playing now, a European spot looks almost certain and that’s what the fans might be hoping for too.
Tags: David Moyes, EPL, European Football, Everton, Goodison Park, Premier League
