Seasons  »  2015-16  »  Everton News

Will Everton and Roberto Martinez be contenders or pretenders this season?

17/09/2015  10 Comments  [Jump to last]
In light of another stirring win, Paul Wilson has some astute observations about Everton's inconsistencies under Roberto Martinez, saying the Blues need to develop consistency, to become feared by opponents for picking up points as well as rave reviews. Everyone knows they can hit the heights but there are likely to be troughs as well.

» Read the full article at The Guardian

Reader Comments (10)

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Dave Ganley
1 Posted 17/09/2015 at 17:10:57
Very good article. Well that's what we all want to know, will the real Everton please stand up. We have a very good squad, I think most people will agree with that, but also highly inconsistent. Whilst the Chelsea game was great, conversely, the Man City and Spurs games were uninspiring really.

I really hope that the Chelsea game can kick-start our season. The way we chased and harassed them and broke quickly was reminiscent of Martinez's first season in charge. If we can follow that formula, then we can have a good season; if we revert to type and allow tippy-tappy shite to take hold again, then we shall struggle. I guess we shall know in the next few weeks. Watch this space!!

Julian Wait
2 Posted 17/09/2015 at 17:22:26
As a priority, perhaps in January, I think we need better cover for DM role(s) when Barry and McCarthy inevitable get tired and/or injured.

We currently have Gibson, Cleverley and now Besic injured, plus Oviedo and Baines who both could probably play DM in a pinch. Osman and Pienaar don't have much left it seems, but can both do a job for 45 minutes, occasionally.

I guess we could push Jags or even Stones forward into DM but it wouldn't be as effective as Barry (for example) imho. Not sure Ledson is ready, Kenny is out on loan, and I don't think anyone wants Barkley pulled back from the #10 role.

I see a potential problem there, as we had last season when Barry looked tired / was inevitably suspended, and/or McCarthy looked tired / injured, and the fear is exacerbated by current injuries to the squad.

Aside: The #10 role can be filled by Barkley, Osman, Mirallas, maybe Cleverley or Pienaar, and we should wait and buy the right for rather than jumping at any #10 that an agent puts a price tag on.

Otherwise I am reasonably happy with the squad we have and its potential, especially for the money we have to spend.

Brin Williams
3 Posted 17/09/2015 at 17:41:57
Don't you just love that Guardian photo of Martinez punching the air, brown shoes and all, while the Miserable One looks on wondering what hit him...
Nick Entwistle
4 Posted 17/09/2015 at 18:12:10
Contenders for the top half, yes.

John Raftery
5 Posted 17/09/2015 at 21:03:44
The performance against Man City was okay. We just came up against a team in peak form.

There were mitigating circumstances at Spurs with the game coming less than 72 hours after we had played 120 minutes at Barnsley. Gareth Barry will play fewer games this season in order to keep him fresh.

We should definitely be more consistent in the league this season and, with a bit of luck, at long last be able to win the League Cup.

Trevor Peers
6 Posted 17/09/2015 at 21:33:05
Big test coming up at Swansea after a great result on Saturday. All too often in the past we have followed a good performance with a few dodgy results.

The hallmark of a good side is consistency, hopefully we put a big effort in and carry on what has been a good start to the season, and grab another win.

James Flynn
7 Posted 17/09/2015 at 22:49:03
The bulk of the squad are now about 90 games in under Roberto. Fine first season and a major learning experience second season; especially for youngsters Barkley, Lukaku, and Stones, injury aside, locked in starters. Browning, Galloway, and Besic have been in and around the squad, too.

We know we have talent and a pretty good age/experience mix. We'll get better and better as the season goes on.

I'll go with Contenders.


Jay Harris
8 Posted 17/09/2015 at 23:02:14
I believe that most of the players are contenders for a cup and a top 4 finish.

I still have major doubts about the manager's ability and consistency. If I remember correctly, Wigan would get a tremendous result then fall apart next game.

For me the jury is still out on the manager but we will find out this season.

Winston Williamson
9 Posted 18/09/2015 at 09:25:12
Good article. I'd agree with all of it apart from 'the cups have had their day.'

A cup win would provide a good platform for this young team to develop further. Instilling a winning mentality and helping to keep the team together.

Paul Mackie
10 Posted 18/09/2015 at 09:41:35
If we can go on a run of good results now, then top 4 is very achievable this season.

Man City, Arsenal and probably Chelsea will take the top 3 spots (I don't buy into the hype that Chelsea are finished) but that last spot is definitely up for grabs. Liverpool are shit (obviously), Man Utd still haven't strengthened where they need to, and Tottenham are just being their usual consistently average selves.

We on the other hand have a talented young squad and a manager who seems to be learning from last season's disaster. On the other hand, if we get beat at Swansea, then we're relegation candidates and Martinez is a clown. ;)

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