Everton 3 – 1 Chelsea: Heroes And Enigmas

"Well aren't you lot glad Roberto didn't sell me to Norwich ?" 

With little over ten minutes of normal time remaining in Saturday’s fixture, and with the score at 2-1, Chelsea were threatening.The atmosphere was rippling with nerves. Above all else, Everton needed to defend efficiently.

The ball fell to Brendan Galloway inside the Blues’ penalty area and the 19 year-old lashed the ball out for a throw-in to the opposition. To acknowledge the young defender’s good decision, a wave of applause swept through the crowd.

Yet not all inside Goodison Park were happy.

Romelu Lukaku, unseen by Galloway and indeed most others on the field, was voicing his frustrations that the teenager had not managed to bend his clearance to land perfectly in front of the Belgian and set up an attack.

The isolated striker gestured animatedly. Yet, when the priority for the Blues at that stage in the game was to close it out safely and claim the three points, Lukaku’s objections were unreasonable. The left-back, who was in fact giving an admirable performance, made sure to take no risks at that crucial period of the game.

Even though Lukaku’s criticism mostly went unnoticed, it highlighted a significant issue within Martinez’s Everton side. The striker was evidently frustrated at his own quiet, sub-standard performance. And most reading this will likely be aware that the 22 year-old has a tendency to slip in and out of anonymity.

From hero one week to passenger the next, Lukaku’s split personality frequently leaves Everton with an issue they are forced to address: when Lukaku’s form suffers, who can the Blues look to as their stand-in hero?

Arouna Kone has flirted with the role. Ross Barkley often strives to fulfill it. But on Saturday lunchtime, the protagonist in the thrilling narrative was the unorthodox Steven Naismith.

After Besic departed the field of play through injury in the ninth minute, the Scotsman took his place on the left of midfield and became the main character in Everton’s expert dismantling of Mourinho’s uninspiring Chelsea.

Seven minutes after the substitution, the Blues were leading 1-0 through a neat, intelligent goal. Hovering on the edge of the area, Naismith played the ball out to his left. Upon receiving the pass, Galloway lifted a perfect cross into the box for the head of the springing Scot who flicked the ball past Begovic into the Park End goal. A dream start.

A well-drilled strike from the protagonist under five minutes later, and the 2-0 score-line was complimented by an atmosphere that Goodison has missed yet is well-suited to – that electric feeling of superiority and elation.

After the depressing times of late, the buzz that washed over the stands following Naismith’s second goal was much needed to say the least.

Matic’s responding strike was enough to deflate the Toffees somewhat, and nerves began to set in for a large portion of the game.

Lukaku was frustrated, yet Everton still managed to look sharper in attack: Naismith wound the Chelsea players up from the moment he came on; Seamus Coleman continued to resurrect his best form; Arouna Kone, despite not being the most gifted of players, never once lost desire; Aaron Lennon complimented the team well once being brought on; Barkley looked increasingly composed and mature going forward.

Chelsea attacked in a tame, blunted fashion with no real conviction or desire. Everton’s back line, led by the professional and intelligent partnership of Stones and Jagielka for the majority of the game, gave a performance worthy of a clean sheet (and new signing Funes Mori slotted in rather well when called upon).

"Altogether now...f**k off Mourinhooo..."

The invaluable John Stones defined everything the opposing defence lacked and barely broke a sweat doing so. He is, without a doubt, most definitely worth the money Chelsea were willing to part with.

Naismith’s third and final goal to complete his perfect hat-trick also completed a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Barkley’s swift pass sliced through Chelsea’s defence, leaving them guessing as the elusive, forward-thinking Scot materialised behind them, controlled the ball and stroked it through Begovic’s legs.

It was a fitting end to a match throughout which the strings had been well and truly pulled by a player many deemed increasingly peripheral.

It was a fantastic day for Naismith. However, as already mentioned, there are two sides to every coin – and specifically that of Everton’s strike-force.

Lukaku’s performance will not live long in the memory of anyone. Although he may appear moderately threatening in a highlights package, the striker’s overall performance was underwhelming. For all of his inconsistencies, the Belgian is a fantastic player and can be truly devastating on occasion.

"You know what, I think I'll work on my first touch after all." 

And exactly which occasions stand out to fans since Lukaku began his Everton career are noted below (the following is the result of a quick Twitter poll):

@sturdy8: West Ham 2-3 Everton, September 2013 (his debut) and Southampton 0-3 Everton, August 2015.

@bluenosethomas: Everton 3 – 2 Newcastle, September 2013, and Everton 3-3 Liverpool, November 2013.

@Keogh_NB: West Ham 2-3 Everton, Everton 3-0 Arsenal April 2014, Southampton 0-3 Everton, August 2015.

@Markthablue wrote the following:

Newcastle (H) 3-2 – A game of 2 halves but in the first half Lukaku looked brilliant, his physical presence and link up play with Barkley was mouth-watering, scoring clinically, sweeping home from a Mirallas ball in, then a setting up Barkley before sensing an opportunity, taking advantage of some awful Geordie defending to make it 3-0 by halftime…utterly ruthless.

Liverpool (H) 3-3 – Lukaku this time providing 2 clinical finishes in a game which showed Everton’s attacking prowess under Roberto Martinez in full force. Lukaku with a low shot and a bullet classic Gwladys Street header to show his threat on the ground and in the air against the old enemy.

Arsenal (H) 3-0 – Lukaku along with Mirallas, Barkley and Naismith were devastating, attacking with purpose against the gunners. Big Rom sealed a fine performance with a rampaging run and powerful shot past Szczesny making it 2-0 before half time.

West Ham (H) FA Cup 3rd round 2015 – With the team performing abysmally, losing its previous four games, Lukaku equalised from close range in injury time to force a replay but it was his hunger and desire that stood out dragging the team up with his positive vibrant display.

Young Boys (A) 4-1 Europa League – Lukaku taking full advantage of Young Boys dodgy offside trap was ruthless in a ruthless Everton attacking display in Switzerland. The perfect hat trick rewarding a menacing display with a header, right foot and left foot shot following in Alan Ball, Andy Gray and Yakubu’s Everton European hat trick footsteps.

Southampton (A) 3-0 – Lukaku with 2 clinical finishes. One a terrific header back across Stekelenburg following a swift counter before Lukaku ran onto Barkley’s beautifully weighted pass to sweep home confidently, helping the blues to a deserved victory. Lukaku’s overall play showed why we paid £28m for him.

(In addition to these performances, I really enjoyed watching him when Everton defeated Wolfsburg 0-2 away from home in November 2014).

So then - what exactly makes Lukaku tick? 

Naturally, football players are always going to have good days and bad days. However (in my opinion at least), Lukaku appears to thrive when he is positioned deeper or when the Blues set up to counter-attack (of course, Roberto Martinez knows far more than some blogger, I just can’t help but notice this).

Now this tactical analysis is very basic, but when the Belgian can run with the ball, or exploit space in front of him, he strikes true terror into the eyes of defenders. Just think about his goals against Wolfsburg, Southampton, Arsenal, Newcastle and Young Boys from the above list.

He showed rare glimmers of this positioning and intent against Chelsea on Saturday. In addition to this, his aerial ability, and presence in the six yard box, can also be incredibly effective. Given the space in front of him he can create goals too, as a result of the sheer havoc he causes when running at the opposing defence.

However it does not feel as if Martinez plays to Lukaku’s strengths. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to set up to play the counter-attack every game.

Yet in a significant portion of the matches he plays in, the striker is almost elusive; against Tottenham he was poor and against Manchester City he was enigmatic too. Understandably Martinez is more likely to take a more cautious and rigid approach to fixtures against ‘bigger’ clubs, however the fundamental issue persists: Lukaku is incredibly inconsistent.

When Lukaku is on his game, he can be unstoppable – and no doubt every Evertonian wants him to become the world-beater he can be and fire the Blues to success.

The comparisons between the manner in which Everton have played in spells so far this season and Martinez’s initial campaign in charge are truly exciting. The level the Blues reached during that season was something else.

Just imagine how fantastic Lukaku can be when in form.

Imagine effective, creative wingers, wing-backs returning to their best form and Ross Barkley (who increasingly looks like fulfilling his potential) bossing the midfield.

Imagine the solid, unbreakable partnership of Stones and Jagielka, with McCarthy shielding the back line.

The Blues would have an excellent shot at ending the agonising trophy drought and cementing themselves once again as top-four challengers – for this starting eleven Everton have now is undoubtedly the most talented in years.

If Martinez can manage to mastermind the Toffees to an outstanding level once more, we could well be in for a thrilling season.

And after all the misery Evertonians have put up with throughout last season, we bloody well deserve it.

Everton 3-0 Manchester United: A Welcome Lift for Royal Blue Spirits

It is fantastic to be able to write really positively about Everton once more.

Everton resuscitated the celebratory atmosphere of last season

It’s been far too long since the Blues expressed their desire to win through the exciting football we came to know and love over the course of Martinez’s debut season. The Toffees appeared as if they were to conclude this underwhelming campaign like an injured marathon runner hobbling over the finish line much later than planned; and so there really was something to celebrate on Sunday afternoon.

The victory was reminiscent of the superior and refreshing atmosphere that Martinez injected into the veins of Goodison Park upon his arrival. The intensity and quality of the performance was incredibly welcome and relieving. Most importantly, it signified that buried underneath the doom and gloom of recent times, the Toffees have not lost their real desire to succeed.

This determination was evident from the outset of the game’s narrative. After a scrappy opening couple of minutes, the Blues increased the pace significantly which resulted in a crushing psychological blow courtesy of infrequent goal-scorer James McCarthy. A driving counter attack culminated in the Irishman skipping past two United defenders to finish in style – and he continued to play the role of protagonist for the remainder of the 90 minutes, covering ground and breaking up the opposition’s play as he does best.

United never recovered. Their passing was neat at times and they controlled the ball in phases, yet they were never intelligent enough to infiltrate the rigid and disciplined Everton defence, led by the admirable John Stones, whose concentration wavered not once during the fixture. When the defender is on top form he leads by example, an expert reader of the ball, always one step ahead of every other player on the field.

John Stones: flawless

And his motivation resulted in a superb headed goal from a corner (yes, a corner!) whipped in by Leighton Baines to make it 2-0; United were down and out by just 35 minutes in.

After a calm start to the second half it became evident Martinez’s side were cruising, for the two-goal lead had created too steep a mountain for Van Gaal’s fearful side to climb. Yet the Blues would not rest; it was brilliant to see Roberto Martinez make a substitution that screamed intent and desire. His decision to bring on Kevin Mirallas for workhorse Leon Osman was justified with a goal that rounded off the afternoon perfectly. The Belgian capitalised on the United defenders’ confusion, latching onto a curling pass and placing the ball past a helpless David de Gea.

A magnificent 3-0 victory came to an ecstatic close, and faith in Everton’s ability to play quality football and score quality goals has been undoubtedly restored. Finally, after far too long in waiting, royal blue spirits have been lifted back to where they should be. 

The Royal Blue Cloud of Unknowing

Kenwright: Divisive, to say the least.  

The perception of Mr. Bill Kenwright among fans of Everton Football Club is not a unanimous one. For every Evertonian who wants the club purged of its owner for not investing as he should and seemingly not looking to sell up either, there is a fellow Blue who believes in Kenwright's commitment and is thankful for him keeping the club afloat.

Now there is nothing wrong with being thankful to Kenwright for helping stabilise the club. But there is a sense that he has lived on that reputation for far too long. And so on the flipside there is also nothing wrong with wanting the owner show more ambition than he does or for him to sell the club on to somebody who can propel Everton Football Club to new highs.

And this is the fundamental problem. Kenwright is the good guy and the bad guy at the same time; if the owner is guilty of the accusations that many Evertonians will level at him, then he sits in an idyllic position on his royal blue throne. As long as there remains a split between the fans, Kenwright will keep hold of the reins of our club until something forces him to sell.

Understandably, everything seems somewhat foggy to say the least.

A perfect example of this is the infamous question, "where's the Arteta money?", used so often in a humorous manner that it has become a parody of itself. However, if you think about it, it sums up the exact type of confusion that is generated by Everton's board; at the time the club was struggling for cash to spend on players and a large sum of money seemed to simply disappear into thin air.

Robert Elstone admitted it had all been used up on players' contracts, loan fees and further internal matters. Regardless of whether or not the chief executive's explanation was the truth, why was there such a great deal of secrecy around the whole incident in the first place?

This is seemingly typical of our club these days. Just like Kenwright appears to be both Jekyll and Hyde at the exact same time, it is not clear where money goes and why particular decisions are made. Surveys emerge now and again in which enigmatic Evertonians seem to have reached a consensus that the club is run very well, which contributes to intensified confusion. Throw in the odd mention of potential investment and a new stadium and suddenly nobody knows which way is up and which is down.

In addition to this the Liverpoool Echo's stance on these stigmatised matters does not help. First of all, Lee Carsley's article on the owner painted Kenwright as some sort of perfect saviour, which links to a point made earlier in this article: he is still supported by the reputation he created for himself many years ago. Furthermore, what has incensed many Evertonians is how the Echo questioned Liverpool's three-year absence of trophies and not Everton’s two-decade void. Again, questions have arisen: WHY is the topic of Everton's mediocre ownership quite so stigmatised? WHY is it barely ever questioned in the media? WHY is the club's situation painted as fine and dandy when in reality it is not? WHY are there never any answers to these questions?

If this unrest is going no further than Twitter and online forums - for it will not reach national level if it is not gaining regional exposure - then what hope do we have? Even the Newcastle fans' attempt at boycotting their home fixture against Tottenham did not have its desired effect. Although the attendance was a season-long low and has therefore made significant news, there were still around 47,000 people at St. James’ Park.  Perhaps this is also due to a divided stance: while the Magpies are evidently under-performing at the moment, there is also hope of a new manager and money to spend on the horizon. 

On the other hand a striking amount of AC Milan fans recently boycotted the club's Serie A fixture against Cagliari, encouraged by the fan group Curva Sud. Many of those who attended the match brought banners to protest about the club's poor ownership and mediocrity as they sit 9th in the league and without European competition. Depressingly, the San Siro was virtually empty; yet creditably the fans have made their stance on the club’s ownership very clear.

A statement on Curvasudmilano.it read:

"How many times have we made sacrifices for Milan? How many times have we saved up to buy a new shirt, to be able to go to the stadium, to renew our season tickets? There's one thing that's been lacking...clarity!"

And it is the same problem back at Goodison Park. When we need it most, there is no clarity. There seems to be no real objective, minimal funds available and to add even more kindle to this huge fire the performances have been mostly embarrassing and infuriating this season. 

It is unlikely that there is a major conspiracy ongoing behind closed doors at Goodison Park; yet it is evident that something is not right, and the fans who pour money into the club week in, week out, are not treated with the respect they deserve. Nobody seems to know what is truly going on, there are more questions than answers and it seems very unlikely that the brilliant and historic Everton Football Club will ever consistently hit top form until everything becomes clear or it changes hands. Attempting to gain an understanding of what is going on here really is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.

To conclude then, below is a quotation taken from the Guardian archives. The article from which it comes is entitled ‘Dream script for Kenwright’ and is dated Wednesday 26^th January, 2000 when Bill Kenwright had just taken over Everton Football Club. Take a moment to reflect on how little his words seem to ring true today:

“Acquiring Peter Johnson's shares is only the first step to restoring a great club to where it belongs - to where it should be. If you are going to run a successful football club you need two qualities: you need to be realistic and you need a plan. I'm realistic and I have a plan.”

[http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/jan/26/newsstory.sport]

@AlexLen95

The Strange Case of a Dull Derby

Everton 0-0 Liverpool

Seeing as neither Everton or Liverpool were very good at playing football on Saturday evening, the players turned to shouting at one another instead. 

Part One

(Written prior to the 224th Merseyside derby)

Due to various reasons I’ve not written about the Blues as much as I should have this season – in fact, the last occasion I sat down to type up my thoughts was at the very beginning of this perplexing campaign.

A considerable amount of time has elapsed since then. The season began with the draw at Leicester and a blistering first-half performance at Goodison against Arsenal followed. And then the Toffees stalled, unable to move up a gear or even maintain their current speed. Everton Football Club plunged into a turbulent river of uncertainty during the second period of that first home fixture and we are still waiting for them to fully emerge.

Naturally, the tale of this season has been the complete opposite of what fans everywhere were expecting: there were point at which the manager and his players looked completely broken and almost beyond repair. At such times the performances have been infuriating and even beyond comprehension. Many questions have been asked: What’s wrong with the team? Where has the desire gone? Why has Martinez been looking like he’s lost the plot? Should he still be in the job? Did Samuel Eto’o have a negative effect upon the club? Why didn’t the board make more signings during the January transfer window? Who is this new reserve goalkeeper and what has he done with the hopeless Joel Robles? Is this list of questions ever going to end?

Few of these musings have been answered, which has contributed to a dark cloud of mass confusion floating over Goodison Park and dividing fans. Over the course of the season thus far nobody has looked like being able to tell the difference between up and down and left from right.

Roberto Martinez has turned from Dr Jekyll into Mr Hyde and back again in spells. His ability to inspire and motivate the same team he led to the Europa League last season has coughed and spluttered. The ocean of sophisticated metaphors that rolled off the tongue last season has run dry. Evertonians just want to see their team string together a few victories, get off the hard shoulder, move into the correct lane and run smoothly once again.

I won’t dwell much more on the low points, for the reader of these words will likely know of them all too well. Following the bizarre departure of the bizarre Samuel Eto’o, a short break from fixtures and the subsequent 0-1 victory over Crystal Palace, there has appeared a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With the fixture between Everton and Liverpool fast approaching, perhaps the Blues’ fortunes will continue to pick up. As I write these words, I’m certainly hoping for a satisfactory disruption to the inevitable Steven Gerrard media derby-party (and yes, I am referring to that advertisement).

*****

Part Two

(Written after the mind-numbing 224th Merseyside derby)

I confess that I’m struggling to dissect the match from its current state in my mind as I begin this report: it was a frustrating, uninspiring and rather bleak ninety minutes of gritty tension that rarely threatened to progress from static into anything near the fast and thrilling fixtures we are used to. It hardly resembled a typical Goodison derby at all. The experience of watching Everton and Liverpool’s feeble contest was akin to sitting in a broken-down car and turning the keys over and over and over in the ignition while the hope of actually driving anywhere dies slowly and painfully.

Despite the affair being one of the lowest-quality derbies since, well, the dawn of time, there were a few positives to take for the Blues (although my level of positivity hardly comes close to that of Roberto Martinez). The match had two faces: one encouraging and the other rather dreary. And so I may be picking scraps of meat from a bone here, however several points are worth mentioning:

Muhamed Besic

Besic can have his own special heading, in bold and underlined. The midfielder is on the right track to make a real name for himself as a valued player of Everton Football Club. For a great period of the game he stood head and shoulders above the rest, which thankfully gave the Blues the leader they needed and irritated Liverpool fans to no end. Keeping his midfield well-organised and restraining the opposition the best he could, the Bosnian’s performance was at the opposing end of the scale to that of the fading Gareth Barry. In addition, the brilliant James McCarthy, upon his return, evidently benefitted from having Besic alongside him. The pair ran smoothly together like two oiled cogs.

There are a few further heartening aspects of the match worth considering, beginning with Joel Robles. Believe it or not, it has emerged that the Robles whose performances deserve to keep Tim Howard out of the team is actually the same Robles who appeared to be unable to catch a football this time a year ago (I know, amazing!). Overall he was secure and confident between the posts during the derby. With the recently-formed and fairly reliable pairing of John Stones and Phil Jagielka standing between him and oncoming attackers, the three consecutive clean sheets he has kept against West Brom, Palace and Liverpool are not coincidental.

Steven Naismith’s performance – especially in the first half – is also in need of praise. I find the Scot impossible to dislike and the sheer effort and commitment he displays is, in my opinion at least, worthy of comparisons to Tim Cahill and his love for playing in an Everton shirt. Before Naismith began to suffer from some form of discomfort he was like a pinball being pinged between Liverpool players in possession of the ball, pressurising the vulnerable Sakho and leading the Blues’ attack.

Romelu Lukaku had yet another game in which he seems capable of being able to destroy defences yet never actually does. When playing out wide he can terrorise the opposition with the ball at his feet (just think of his games against Arsenal at Goodison), however he hardly ever seems to be in a position to do so. This is one of Everton’s most annoying traits – when Lukaku has his back to goal he is not as effective as he can be, yet when he is deployed in a position in which he can play to his strengths, he is not utilised correctly. Admittedly, this is partly due to his Jelavic-esque nature of having a strong liking for offside positioning. Yet he should be charging from deep more frequently if he is to play to his strengths, rather than being constantly stood on the last defender.

Another pleasing element of the match was seeing Aaron Lennon in royal blue. While he is probably unlikely to set the world of football alight during his stay at Everton (however long that may be), he is a drastic improvement on McGeady. Lennon’s agility and quick passing could be integral to future success; he can become another well-oiled element that is needed to reprise the club’s stuttering engine. If he plays football like he poses unhappily in photographs, his presence within the squad will be more than welcome.

"No matter what happens out there, Aaron, just make sure that you're better than McGeady."

So while Everton didn’t allow Gerrard to have his dream final derby that a large portion of the media seemingly craved, they didn’t really do anything else. And while thousands of Evertonians are praying for their club to pick up where they left off at the end of the previous campaign, the Blues’ performance was not as inspiring as it should have been. Liverpool were poor and there for the taking once again. Everton did not grasp the opportunity.

However, to conclude, a draw is a fair result, and hopefully it contributes to dragging the Blues from the watery abyss they were drowning in and finally setting them on dry land. Toffees fans want to be thrilled and excited by majestic football again. With the Europa League knockout stages just around the corner, Martinez and his team can use the coming months to paper somewhat over the deep cracks that opened during the first half of the season. The desire and lust for winning has to be repaired.

Everton just have to get their engine up and running once more and refrain from being their own worst enemy.

Alex Leonard – @AlexLen95 

Finally, ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’ holds real meaning again

From: May 13, 2014

Originally posted on EFCFeelinBlue.com

Everton’s motto is far more than just several Latin words. ‘Nothing but the best is good enough’ is a phrase that embodies the expectations of those who follow the Blues religiously, encapsulating all that the Toffees stand for. For a long while, the fans have not been truly rewarded, and the club has not lived by those words as it should have. However, times have changed, and a certain, brogue-wearing Spaniard has enlivened the true spirit of Everton Football Club, and revived what it means to be an Evertonian.

Roberto Martinez has, in short, renovated his club in such a manner that it is genuinely astounding. The Catalan has very modestly brought along his tool-bag to an ancient building in need of repair, and spent much time expertly tinkering around it so that now, it looks newly constructed. A record Premier League points tally, the most exciting and intense style of football the club has seen for many a year, and an overwhelming feeling of positivity has created an atmosphere among Evertonians that anticipates and desires success. No longer does the club adopt an attitude in which settling for second best is acceptable.

It may seem in the distant past now, yet the gap left by the previous manager was perceived by many to be too large for Martinez when he was appointed manager; after all, he had just been relegated with Wigan Athletic. David James (laughably) predicted Everton to finish 16th; however, as outrageous as it was, such a prediction made it evident that there was a real divide in opinions about the Spaniard taking over at Goodison Park.

The season began with three consecutive league draws. One away to Norwich, one at home to West Brom and another at the Cardiff City Stadium meant that August did not bear a single league victory for the Blues. Despite this, Martinez seemed to turn Everton’s fortunes around with a wink and a smile, just as he did on several occasions throughout the season. By the first day of September, the club had acquired Romelu Lukaku, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry to add to the signings of Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone, Joel Robles and Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu. There was genuine amazement at the strength that the new manager had added to the squad with a click of his fingers.

Thus, it became evident that those first few draws were merely the brewing of a season-long storm. Dramatically, the first strike of lightning came in the form of Steven Naismith’s header into the Park End goal against Chelsea, which rewarded Everton with three much-welcomed points. Sooner than expected for many, the storm had broken, and Everton’s increasing brilliance rained down upon the Premier League. Excellent victories against West Ham, Newcastle, Hull and Aston Villa preceded the most thrilling of Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park in November, in which Romelu Lukaku almost powered Everton to victory. Despite being pegged back to 3-3 at the end of the match, it further enforced to Evertonians –as well as journalists and pundits – that Everton were on the up.

Regardless of a small blip against Sunderland at home on Boxing Day, December brought a royal blue flood to add to the ongoing storm. It near enough engulfed everything in its path, beginning at Old Trafford with Bryan Oviedo’s historical goal that for is unlikely to ever be forgotten by any Blue. Several days later, it was Gerard Deulofeu’s turn to provide light in the dark winter evenings, as he netted superbly at Arsenal to claim a point. The flood continued on its way, devastating Fulham and proving too powerful for Swansea. It rounded off 2013 with a deserved win against Southampton. The second half of the campaign promised much, and would certainly define Everton’s Champions League ambitions.

January and February were perhaps less of a joyride (compared to December at least), however Everton continued on their business. The prospect of finishing in fourth place fluctuated between fantasy and reality. It was March that truly had the Blues flying again in the Premier League at the speed of high winds that could lay waste to whatever it encountered. Everton Football Club won every single league match in the third month of the year; amazingly, Roberto Martinez had done it again. Fourth place seemed genuinely achievable. Optimism was stronger than many Evertonians could even remember.

And it continued to grow: Everton were unstoppable, peaking at just the right time to face Arsenal in what was almost a play off for a Champions League place. In the most superior and emotionally-charged match of the season, Roberto Martinez and his loveable squad were beyond superior, completely decimating an underprepared Arsenal at Goodison Park, scoring three and conceding none. Everton surpassed every superlative thrown at them that day. It was a joy to behold.

However, and it was a cruel however, incredibly frustrating defeats to Crystal Palace and Southampton determined that Evertonians would have to settle for a Europa League spot. Despite the deflating nature of those two fixtures, it was punctuated by yet another outstanding performance. The 2-0 triumph over Manchester United hammered a sharp, ironic nail into the coffin of the Ghost of Everton Past, who had returned to Goodison Park and attempted in vain to haunt his old home. Goals from Leighton Baines and Kevin Mirallas spelled a rather, er, grim end for Martinez’s opposite number.

Before the first of Everton’s two games in May, Europa League for the following season was already guaranteed for the club as an odd defeat to Manchester City unfolded. The following week brought a season finale which ended the Spanish-inspired storm rather fittingly: quite simply, Everton’s were a class above Hull. The team’s second goal, rounded off by Lukaku, typified the ‘School of Science’ manner of playing that Martinez has resurrected. Not only has the squad bought into his philosophy, a number of players have excelled as part of it. Player of the season Seamus Coleman, the incredible John Stones, the gifted Ross Barkley, Scottish workhorse Steven Naismith and the absolutely pivotal James McCarthy have all improved beyond measure under the Spaniard’s regime.

Ultimately, a fifth-placed finish is an achievement every Everton fan should be immensely proud of. In fact, the missing out on Champions League football for next season is perhaps, in the long run, the best case scenario for the club. As Martinez has done on several occasions this term, he has taken the positives from a target that was unachieved: “being honest”, he said, truthfully, “we are not ready for the Champions League, and there’s no frustration in missing out on it”. Martinez’s attitude towards near enough everything he has faced over the course of his first season has been exemplary, admirable and professional. Europa League football, over the course of the next season or so, will be a brilliant way to develop the squad and practise balancing European and Premier League football, plus the two domestic cup competitions. Everton can only grow, and with a busy schedule on the horizon, Roberto Martinez will be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of improving the Toffees even more.

Admittedly, it has not been a perfect season: both the league and FA cup presented Everton with opportunities that they did not take. However, it has been far better than many Evertonians would have expected or indeed deemed possible. It is important to point out that, after such a transformation in attitude, style of play and results, Everton can no longer be deemed a club ‘punching above their weight’. They are waiting to pounce upon those who are unsuspecting. The future looks royally and excitingly blue.

Concluding such a wonderful season is difficult to write about and was difficult to experience in reality, for, quite simply, hardly any Blue will have wanted it to end. The positivity and superiority that Martinez has implemented has been the key for success. His connection with the fans and the manner in which he has bought into the history and tradition of the club has played a huge part in every single one of the 72 points gained. This turning point has been the subject of Blues’ prayers for a long time, as every fan of the club knows the pain of mediocrity too well. However, with Roberto Martinez leading the way, a squad growing in quality and a new-found pride knitted into the very fabric of the club, those famous Latin words finally ring true of Everton Football Club once more.

  Nil satis, nisi optimum.

Superior Everton spell grim end for David Moyes

From: 23rd April 2014

Originally posted on EFCFeelinBlue.com

In what was a rare public appearance for the Grim Reaper, who lurked ominously behind Roberto Martinez’s shadowy predecessor on Sunday, a turbulent week ended on the highest of highs in what was a comfortable and celebratory affair for the Premier League’s most likeable club.

Manchester United arrived at Goodison Park, presumably already intimidated and overwhelmed by the threat the renovated Toffees posed. United’s timid performance suggested that they were more than happy to step out of the way of Roberto Martinez’s incoming bullet train, moving at the blistering speed of an in-flight Seamus Coleman (sixty grand, readers, sixty grand!!), which is heading for Europe and defying the media’s expectations.

Metaphors aside, Everton’s performance on Sunday was fantastic because it was exactly what it had to be. The first half witnessed an almost scrappy start, as the Toffees favoured to sit back and contain their opponents; and the longer this tactic was endured, despite the nervy atmosphere it conjured, the more it felt like an intentional trick from Martinez to fool his counterpart into feeling a sense of false superiority. Although the crowd grew agitated with the space many Manchester United players were allowed on the ball, they never appeared to even remotely threaten Tim Howard, who may as well have begun chatting with the nearest steward, for United were never going to shoot from outside the 18-yard box.

Everton became more confident as the game wore on, and a coolly-taken penalty from Leighton Baines (who else?) propelled the Blues ahead following an excellent counter attack broken up by the arm of Phil Jones. Mark Clattenburg, who in fairness wasn’t actually too bad, blew upon his little high-pitched whistle to signify the eruption of an elated Goodison Park. What a moment.

One goal up and gradually outplaying the opposition in every way, Everton assumed the role of a team simply accommodating Manchester United as they belittled and dismantled their opponents. A certain figure, soon to be long forgotten by Evertonians, looked on, and slowly melted into a miserable, grey background as the colourful Roberto Martinez watched his team grow in confidence; although, a second goal before half time was still vastly important, as a slightly anxious crowd yearned for a very significant victory.

Seemingly, the writing was on the wall; an inevitable second goal for the Toffees did occur, courtesy of the wonderful Kevin Mirallas whose performance was his best yet in an Everton shirt. The Belgian was confident and outclassed any member of the opposition who stood before him, as every Evertonian knows he can do so well. A neat finish, preceded by an excellent run from the Belgian that left the United defenders dumbfounded, was sparked from a typically brilliant Seamus Coleman assist.

Clattenburg’s whistle sounded for half-time, and the anticipation and celebrations spilled around Goodison Park from fan to fan, extending into the bar areas. Songs were even sung in the cramped toilets, for the 2-0 lead after 45 minutes was a dream scenario and a first double since 1969 over the Reds was just around the corner; was Martinez to be the deliverer of yet another record? Only a solid second half would assure that.

Compared to the first half, the latter period of the match allowed Everton to truly explore their own talents. Despite their inability to score a goal, it was a joy to behold Martinez’s tactical prowess and motivational personality influencing an Everton side that could not seem more eager to prevail.

Individually, there were a number of stand-out performances throughout the match that became more evident in the second half. James McCarthy was, as ever, unbelievably good: consistent, ever-present and with more energy than the Duracell Bunny, he won the ball on more occasions that he could be applauded. He was outstanding, and influenced his companion Gareth Barry to simultaneously contain the opposing attack as if it were the easiest job in the world.

John Stones, too, was beyond impressive – the 19 year-old’s commitment and sheer excellence, plus his relaxed nature on the ball and convenience to pop up anywhere in his 18-yard box to make a goal-saving block or tackle, is the basis for a world-class defender. He seems to re-enforce his sheer talent every single week. Confident when charging into the opposition’s half and providing the midfield with an excellent pass, the impact of his presence and quality upon football matches cannot be overstated – he has looked comfortable at near enough every level he has played at this season.

Tim Howard, Steven Naismith and Sylvain Distin (who was replaced by Antolin Alcaraz at half time) were all excellent when called upon, and Seamus Coleman was as outstanding as usual. His consistency and ability under Martinez has been breathtaking as he has undeniably become the greatest right-back in the Premier League; there is nothing quite similar to the spectacle of witnessing the Irishman speeding up and down the right wing, worming his way through tight spaces, around the opposition’s players and into their penalty area.

Collectively, and especially in the second half, Everton blasted Manchester United out of the water that the Reds have spent much of the season drowning in. However, one person that never escaped the shark-infested water was (and it is inevitable his name would eventually crop up) David Moyes.

Ah, Mr. Moyes. It turned out that the scythe-wielding, black-cloaked Paddy Power advert did not visit prematurely; in fact, its appearance was timed near enough to perfection. When hoarse Evertonians began singing “sacked in the morning” to the media’s number one target at the conclusion of the fixture, little did they know that their song would (give or take a day) become reality. In fact, come Tuesday morning (although it was an unfair decision), David Moyes would no longer be the manager of Manchester United, leaving Toffees fans everywhere feeling justified in a rather poetic manner. It was a perfect coincidence that Everton’s fabulous, colourful, Martinez-inspired victory over the easiest of opponents resulted in one of the most pleasing albeit baffling circular narratives in football (for Everton fans, at least).

And so, in perhaps the most satisfying game of this particular season, Martinez and his Everton side delivered when it matters, which has been rather unusual for Blues fans to witness their team doing for a long while. The victory over Manchester United simply enforced that the most exciting and ambitious of futures, guided by the inspirational Roberto Martinez, is waiting for every Evertonian on the royal blue horizon.

COYB

@AlexLen95

Martinez's influence proves beneficial as Everton look better than ever

Roberto Martinez's initial months at Everton Football Club have proved far better than expected

The jubilation, anxiety, depression and ecstasy of football all revolve around its two most pivotal and immovable elements: success and failure.

 Extending from this, whatever outcome does occur hinges on the solitary, key component of opportunity. Its effects upon a match, a club or a season can be invaluable or devastating, depending on whether the opportunity that is presented is taken or missed. In June of this year, the chairman of a historic football club, a man famed for his belief and support, contacted Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez regarding the greatest opportunity the Spaniard had ever been offered: the vacant managerial position at Everton.

 

Bill Kenwright's offer was the first of many opportunities that Roberto Martinez would be gifted within the coming months, as the Spaniard traded his then current shade of blue for one which is considerably more royal. Stepping into the unknown, Martinez, branded with the most unusual of F.A Cup victories, was likely the only man who could foresee his immediate future in the manner which it has planned out; and even he probably did not predict it to be as brilliant an opening as Evertonians have witnessed.

Four well-polished yet intense months and only the single Premier League defeat later, Martinez has undergone a considerably long and transitional process since he adorned the casual formality of brown leather shoes, black suit pants and a white shirt with several top buttons unfastened as Real Betis visited Goodison Park. Back then in August, his first home match, the sight of his presence on the touch-line felt slightly uncomfortable; indefinitely unfamiliar.

 

However, those tables have been turned for a considerable time, the ice has long since been broken, and Everton have progressed from being feared at their most vulnerable in recent years to being at their strongest, especially over late November and early December. Martinez orchestrated a tense yet unforgettable two weeks, featuring the most satisfactory and dramatic of victories at Old Trafford against an old 'friend', sending the sinking ship on its way under the ocean a little more as a result.

 

No lifeboat is to be needed during the defining of Everton Football Club, however, for the process which Roberto Martinez is conducting is far from a gentle ebb and flow. It is an oncoming storm, and the waves are crashing into the shore with much force; providing there are minimal injuries and the first team remains relatively intact, Everton's form of late has no reason not to continue, and Romelu Lukaku's goal-scoring should persist amidst the 'Barcelona' style of play. While one man made Everton sustainable, his successor may well propel them to the next level.

Everton, over the last 11 years, could claim to have their own personal cliché of 'over achievement' and supposedly out-performing what the squad should be capable of. Under Martinez, this stigma appears to be no more; he has undoubtedly taken every valuable opportunity he has been presented with, and maximised it. Lukaku, Deulofeu, Barry and McCarthy: four decisions Martinez shall never regret, and four members of the current first team whom it is unimaginable to picture anywhere other than Everton due to their integral role-play.

 

Such a new-look for the club was a gamble; although, undeniably, at this present moment in time with difficult football matches in the recent past and a kind Christmas fixture list in procession, it has paid off. Whether the outstanding performances which Martinez has been overseeing since taking over will continue in the long term is unpredictable, as is the future of the exceptional loaned players. However, if the Spaniard, whose presence and aura is one to be admired and will be a feature of Everton Football Club for the foreseeable future and hopefully longer, can continue to grasp the opportunities presented to him and capitalise upon their potential as he already has been doing, there is even brighter future lying ahead for the Blues.


 

Solo Lo Mejor

 

 

 

The New Age of the Premier League

As he was handed the microphone, for once the old man looked rather small; a speck upon the stage of a well-used theatre upon which memories still echoed, and forever shall. It was May, and there was a suggestion of rain in the air. Flashes around him resembled stars, although it was far from darkness which surrounded the solitary figure. In fact, it was 75,000 people, watching on as emotions circulated and stung the atmosphere, whether it be through admiration or reluctance to accept the daunting nature an uncertain future.

Rugged, aged and hardened from the stress of victory, Sir Alex Ferguson concluded his rein at Old Trafford as the manager of Manchester United with an emotionally driven speech, and one which is now buried among the layers of memories that are to inevitably be written over with new blood; fresh ink for the Theatre of Dream's manuscripts.

Fans filed out of the stadium, morbidly, and in doing so, signified a fresh outset. Although, it was not simply a dawn for Manchester United; it was a revival for the Premier League itself, and the prospect of the unknown. A roundabout of events occurred: if Manchester United had not won the Premier League title, it would not be unreasonable to believe that Sir Alex Ferguson would still be manager of the club. David Moyes would therefore likely still be at Everton, Roberto Mancini may have been given more time by Sheikh Mansour had Manchester City not languished so far behind their rivals and lost all hope, and thus Roberto Martinez's CV would not seem as attractive if an in-form City had eased to an F.A Cup victory.

The finale of the season had no bearing upon Jose Mourinho's foreseeable return to Chelsea, although having the Portuguese return to the Premier League, with refreshed ambitions and a hunger that stems from a turbulent affair with Real Madrid can only, in the long term at least, emit warning lights for the fresh faces emerging as Mourinho's rivals. Mourinho is a character who the Premier League welcomed back with open arms; sure, he is arrogant, self-obsessed, controversial and outrageous on occasion - but who would want him away? The Premier League is a collection, a promotion of the absolute best English football can offer; and last season, such a collection did not live up to its potential brilliance.

Therefore, a refreshing was in order: a stripping and replacement of personnel occurred as aforementioned, and the new season, or new seasons, are set in stone, the new-look to English football's identity established. Although, this brings significant questions: can the quality and competitive nature of the Premier League still boast to be one of the greatest in the world? Or, following last season's stroll to the title for Manchester United, is it in decline?

 

This excerpt is from an article taken from the second edition of The Football Pink, the cliche-free and rather unconventional football magazine available on Amazon for only 99p. Buy your copy now: 

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The Football Pink series, available on Amazon Kindle

 

 

 



Drama of opening weekend prepares Everton for season ahead

 

And there we have it. The first weekend of Premier League football for 2013/2014 has passed, and I am thoroughly in love with it once again: immersed in every kick of a re-designed Nike ball, dissecting every column of sports newspapers, listening avidly to phone-ins on the radio, and welcoming Alan Shearer's terrible punditry back to my Saturday evenings. Premier League football is unique in its own indescribable, passion-filled manner, and it had faded too much in my mind for me to be able to recall the ecstasy of it, until Saturday.

It had felt like years since a ball was last kicked. In reality, only 91 days filled the void since a brave new world (I refuse to use the word 'era' once more) consumed Everton Football Club. A new (outrageous) badge, a small collection of new players, and, as we all know and do not need telling again, a new manager.

Roberto Martinez, sporting a considerably more royal shade of blue tie than ever before, stepped foot in the away team dugout at Carrow Road on Saturday to applaud his Evertonian following. He then proceeded to do what he does best: coach. For that is what the Spaniard does, and who he is. Martinez does not have the presence of a manager, he seems too gentle, more likely to encourage rather than intimidate, not as fierce. However, I am using this description as a compliment; we live in an age of coaches, not managers.

Sir Alex Ferguson became red faced, and his carbon copy, the Chosen One, casts the icy glare that makes everyone but Wayne Rooney shiver, which fulfils the apparent status of what it is to be a 'manager'. They are the scream-and-swear-to-win-matches type, the intimidating, hands-in-pockets, solitary figure who is easily irritated by TalkSport's made up rumours and tabloid newspaper journalists' stupid questions at press conferences.



Roberto Martinez does not fit into the 'manager' descriptions above—hewinks at journalists. Naturally, I am sure he has a rant at his team every now and again, that is expected; however, his persona seems a focussed one, a friendly one, always seemingly relaxed (there is no chance of him strangling Andy van der Meyde). Admit it, both you and I would watch Wigan and sub-consciously admire him, especially when his little team overturned Manchester City in May.

 

This is what makes Martinez a person who is welcome around a club, a positive figure and someone who I am glad to have at Everton; you could pass him on the street and you may not think anything much of him, yet he stands head and shoulders above anyone for intelligence and innovation (some of his innovative tactics with Wigan last season were outstanding). Whereas Moyes walked with a swagger before his tenure at Everton came to a close, Martinez tiptoes around this new kingdom of his, making sure to smile twice at everybody in case of a disruption to his plans. Although, the Spaniard is most certainly the focal point of the club—everything appears firmly in his grasp.

My admiration for Martinez and his sophistication is one thing. Whether the Spaniard can channel his relaxed nature into satisfactory results and a Europa League spot at minimum, is something completely different. What Saturday brought, by the time the new Everton boss disappeared back down the tunnel at Carrow Road, was an indication for the season ahead. Quite the pretty statement.

I was pleased with the 2-2 score-line, ultimately, for a number of reasons. Martinez had warned prior to the opening game that a shift in style takes time and cannot realistically occur instantly; the pre-season match against Real Betis confirmed that there are still aspects to work on, as some of the passing around the back four made Evertonians shift uncomfortably in their seats. Although, Saturday's performance was much better in comparison, and the statistics create optimism. Everton completed 88% of their attempted 564 passes, claiming 65.7% of possession. Despite the expansive, 'pass-pass-pass' approach, 26 crosses were attempted and Everton were rather neat in the final third, completing 152 passes which translated into 20 attempts on goal, seven being on target. The only real criticisms are that lazy defending cost the Blues all three points, and more attempts need to be transformed into numbers on the score-board if Martinez is to take an 'outscoring' approach.



Ross Barkley's performance against Norwich thoroughly introduced him to those unaware of his talent

Both goals were well worked, and the young star Ross Barkley left me amazed; I am not alone in saying I have watched that goal again and again. And again. The 19 year-old from Wavertree was outstanding, having a significant impact upon the match, completing four out of five take ons, and making 23 out of 24 passes in the attacking third: no wonder Martinez is looking to play him much more than his predecessor.


Speaking of the man Martinez followed on from, and as much as I do not wish to mention him, this topic is unavoidable. I awoke on Monday morning to discover that a “derisory and insulting” double bid from Manchester United, as the club statement read, had been correctly and swiftly rejected seeing as the Everton boss believes the Manchester club's pursuit of the players is "a waste of time". The sum of £28m is a pittance in consideration of Leighton Baines' and Marouane Fellaini's real (combined) value, and the sheer fury vented on Twitter and on TalkSport by Evertonians at Manchester United was therefore just.

I have an admiration for Leighton Baines that many other blues will share; there is something special about having one of the world's best players in hisparticular position in the team you support. Forget Patrice Evra, and disregard Ashley Cole; the former Wigan Athletic left-back is second only to an in-form Jordi Alba, especially seeing as he made 12 more goalscoring chances than any other player in England's top flight last season (116 overall), and is the only player in Premier League history to have taken 10 (or more) penalties and maintained a 100% success rate. If the best that United can offer is £12m, then the integral Leighton Baines is moving absolutely nowhere apart from up and down the left flank of the Goodison Park pitch.

Marouane Fellaini? I care for him significantly less, it is fair to say; and despite his influence upon the matches he plays, he is replaceable, although he should come at a high price for poachers (£28-30m should do the trick). However, I would much prefer the club to keep him rather than cashing in. His physical presence and intimidation in the centre of midfield, or supporting the striker, is key to success for Everton on occasion, and he is often a class above many; he would stroll into the midfield of every Premier League club, with Manchester City and Chelsea the only exceptions. Only Michu could better the midfielder's five headed goals last season with six, which gives an indication to the Belgian's physicality in the box and why desperate clubs, such as Manchester United, aim to submit a pathetic bid to anger the Everton community. If, in the United board's valuation, Baines is worth £12m, then a £16m price-tag for Fellaini is simply ridiculous, given the initial £15m that Mr. Kenwright paid Standard Liege (probably in 10p coins and Everton Mints) in 2008.

It was sensible of Everton not to release any information on this matter until Monday to ensure the beginning of the season was not disrupted, as the bid was in fact made on Thursday. Whether Fellaini leaves or not, the Blues will take the bullet and stagger on; it is only if Baines departs that I believe the club will sink to its knees, and begin to slip several places down the league table at least. If Manchester United want a player, the undeniable likelihood is that the club will get him (unless he is Francesc Fabregas), unfortunately. David Moyes is not as attractive as Sir Alex Ferguson for a player, and Ed Woodward is no David Gill; although, it is no secret how desperate Everton are for money. Plus, we still cannot judge what lies ahead for the season even if Everton keep the current squad as it is.

Whatever the case, I look forward to returning to a full Goodison Park on Saturday for the fixture against West Brom, whose opening day defeat and lack of Romelu Lukaku may foreshadow an underwhelming season ahead for Steve Clarke's side. Everton look fit and able, Roberto Martinez is beginning to win the fans over, and although the new style may take some convincing, the Blues look in a positive shape to take the season ahead by the scruff of the neck, proving 'pundits' and journalists alike to be incorrect in their predictions.

I have not felt so genuinely optimistic about Everton Football Club for a long time.

Up the Toffees.

 

Martinez brings a new style of optimism for Evertonians

 

 

 

 

Since Roberto Martinez sat alongside Bill Kenwright at his first press conference as Everton manager, an explosion of events have occurred at the club, and a brand new appearance for the Blues has been crafted.

Despite the fact that the squad remains similar and the same fans fill the same seats, there is something unusual, and for now a little uncomfortable, about seeing a new Everton manager stood in the technical area; his brown leather shoes and white shirt seemed rather alien to Goodison Park when Real Betis payed a visit on Sunday, despite the air of confidence that is washing over the club and trickles through the debates on social networking pages.

This time last year, Evertonians were not alone in believing they were in for a successful season, although it was ultimately an unproductive one. This year, however, Toffees fans appear to stand alone with their aspirations. FourFourTwo (who believed Swansea would finish bottom last year) predict 10th to be Everton's standing at the end of the new season, David James predicts 16th, and both TalkSport (but what do they know?) and BBC Radio 5Live seem uncertain as to what lies ahead.

As every Evertonian has considered in their head over and over, yes, Martinez did get relegated with Wigan. He did lower their average position dramatically from when he took over, and they only ever, as cliché would have it, began "playing in March". What probably swayed Mr. Kenwright, and a number of fans, into backing the Spaniard to succeed Everton's previous manager is Wigan's F.A Cup upset over Manchester City gift wrapped with his tendency to play attractive/ambitious/risky football (however you see it).

Other than what pre-season has delivered for the club, and Martinez' past successes and failures, there is not much evidence to judge how the upcoming campaign will plan out. Failure, realistically, is anything below the average of 7th or 8th that the club has experienced over the last ten years or so. Money is tight - everybody knows that, however the achievement that (as Martinez said himself, through Kenwright) had to be aimed for is the Champions League places. A spot in the Europa League is a great place for starters, and a cup victory would be unexpected yet ideal. If a Capital One or F.A Cup victory does occur, and the Blues slip a little more towards mid table, then hopefully that is acceptable. But anything other, however, should be treated with concern.

The aforementioned events sandwiched in between Martinez's unveiling and the commencing match of the 2013/14 season at Carrow Road have been, naturally, rather interesting; from the signings to the poorly run tournaments, this has been a pre-season to remember.

Within a short time (a ridiculously short time for what Evertonians are used to) of the transfer window opening, Martinez had completed the signings of Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone, Joel Robles and Gerard Deulofeu, the latter on a season long loan from F.C Barcelona. Suddenly, many Toffees on the streets stood a little taller after an unsettling, turbulent period of time between a sombre ending and a new beginning for the club. Although another purchase will only come from raised funds, Martinez had acted quickly and efficiently to bind together a squad in preparation for an exciting new season in which slow starts shall ultimately be punished come Judgement Day next May.

These factors are partial to what is seen on the field itself; the pre-season friendlies have been satisfactory and more this time around, with Martinez's newly adopted group putting even Real Madrid to the recently polished sword in America's ICC tournament, after Juventus fell on their own. 'The Old Lady' of Italian football was seen off in applaudable style by the Blues once the unforgettable penalty from John Stones caressed the Juve netting, and magician Andrea Pirlo was failed by his experienced powers. Setting up with a 3-4-3 formation, Everton played the opposition at their own game, and were unlucky not to progress through the questionably organised tournament in normal time.

It is not often this is said: Everton awaited Real Madrid in the next round. It was a match which the phrase "what if" was repeated frequently in retrospect, as two first-half goals propelled Los Blancos just out of reach. The seemingly renovated Nikica Jelavić's well taken goal was too late, as the determined efforts of the Blues proved futile following some eyebrow-raising decisions from the officials.

The other pre-season results included a 2-0 loss away to Vienna, a 1-3 victory over Blackburn Rovers followed by a 1-4 triumph over Accrington Stanley, the narrow defeat of a solitary goal in the final ICC match, and most recently, the incredibly boring 2-1 home victory over Real Betis in a match that was, ultimately, only interesting because it was good to be home once again. Martinez has obviously applied his style of play to the Blues (some suicidal passing in defence was expected), and all in all, an interesting pre-season was rounded off in (some) style, despite being really tested in spells by the Spanish side.

Now, as Evertonians sit back and do the complete opposite of relax in time for the new season, the opening encounter with Norwich looms ever closer. Nobody particularly knows how the season is going to pan out, or whether particular players will still be wearing an Everton shirt come early September. Only time will tell, and with an ambitious new manager, a new philosophy and a quality starting eleven (and not a bad bench of substitutions), there is every reason to look forward to what lies ahead.