The 2013-14 campaign marked the beginning of the Roberto Martinez-era at Goodison Park. He envisioned a spot in the top four to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and it almost happened for the Toffees.
They looked set to finish above Arsenal in that particular season to go on and take it to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, until the wheels fell off at the death.
As we approach to the conclusion of the 2015-16 campain, Everton have since not been able to reach the same heights under the guidance of the Spaniard.
2014-15 was a disappointing time for the blue faithful. They had gone from watching a free-flowing brand of football that was exciting and devastating, to all of a sudden not playing with the same intent. Defensively, they were not as solid and nowhere near as convincing.
This was certainly a major factor that played a part in Everton falling from fifth in the 2013-14 season to 11th by 2014-15. When one speaks to those in England, they always discuss how they do not want Europa League qualification, the reason being that it harms your domestic campaign massively.
Everton are not financially the strongest in England. Therefore this sees them have slightly lesser numbers on the roster compared to the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
To compete on all fronts a team needs numbers, because being honest, with the pace of the game today and the intensity, players are at the highest risk of picking up some form of injury and fatigue.
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A lack of fuel seemed the bigger issue for Martinez and his side. They simply could not cope with the demands of playing in the tough and physical English Premier League and then backing that up with a game in Europe. This being the case, they struggled in the league and an 11th position finish further backs that argument.
Big things were expected from Everton this season and in an attacking sense they have delivered, mainly thanks to Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley.
46 goals have come in 25 games so far, but the downside has been the defensive side of the game, with 34 shipped at the back. When a team wants to challenge for spots in the Champions League and even higher, then that amount of goals cannot be conceded in such a short amount of time.
They have got back to that free-flowing game the brought success in the 2013-14 season. Lukaku looks unstoppable and is certainly producing the goods, with 16 goals in 25 league appearances. Combining pace, power, aerial ability and a strong work rate, he is the forward that suits Everton down to the ground.
Looking at their other goal scoring threat and creative spark from midfield, Barkley has taken his game to another level. He is becoming Mr. Reliable for Martinez and is constantly improving. When talking about England’s next big hope we usually see Raheem Sterling’s name up in lights, but Barkley has everything to go on and be the better footballer. Technical ability, strength, power, creativity and speed set the 22-year-old apart from most other up-and-coming young English talent.
Ross Barkley has been directly involved in 15 Premier League goals this season. Top return from midfield #Squawka23 pic.twitter.com/2XoONytvMJ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 8, 2016
Unfortunately for the Toffees though, their defensive side of the game is letting them down. However, it is hard to see why they are struggling so badly when looking at some of the players in their back four.
Arguably, they have one of the best young centre-backs throughout world football in the form of John Stones. What has no helped him this year though, is the ongoing discussions taking place about his future at Goodison. With Chelsea’s interest floating around it has been difficult for Stones to keep his head in the one place. He is one of the few English centre-backs that can play with the ball at his feet. But having a reputation like that sees him trying too many things at once, hurting both him and his team.
With Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in the fullback positions most times than not, it is difficult to understand why they leak so many goals. They are attacking minded players, but are also defensively solid and are a fantastic pair.
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There is no denying Everton will have to address these issues come the summer transfer window, but with a team that includes some of the brightest talents in the English Premier League, should Roberto Martinez be getting more out of them?
Many fans believe so and it is hard to disagree. With the squad getting bigger each season and players gradually improving then there should certainly be progress, but it does not really feel they have built on the foundations of the 2013-14 season success. They have not lost any personnel and have only added to what is a strong list.
There have been factors, but none should result in a 11th place finish last season and an 8th place standing at the moment. There is enough talent there, but will Martinez get them back challenging for top four? Time will certainly tell.
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