6 Reasons Everton Will Finish Inside the EPL Top 5 This Season

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Few people saw it coming, but the team of the moment through the first five weeks of the Premier League season is undoubtedly Everton.

With ten points, the Toffees are astonishingly sitting in third place in the league, only behind Chelsea and a Manchester United side that they've already beaten.

Despite the amazing position Everton have forged for themselves, the question on many minds is obvious: Is this sustainable, or will Everton fade while familiar faces rise to the top once more?

Here are six reasons Everton will continue to fly high and earn a top-five finish this season.

No Distractions

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While most of the other teams competing for high league finishes will be toiling away in European competitions, Everton will be able to relax and concentrate on their league matches.

In fact, the Toffees' loss to Leeds in the League Cup on Tuesday takes away even another distraction. Expect Everton to benefit from this both mentally and physically.

Fast Start

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Everton is on ten points through five matches.

It took Everton ten matches to get to ten points last year. In 2010-11, it took nine matches. In 2009-10, it took seven. In 2008-09, it took ten.

The Toffees' lowest finish in any of those seasons was eighth.

Clearly, Everton has proved that they are a team that gets better as the season progresses.

With such a fast start to this season, this trend would have Everton challenging for the title, let alone a top-five finish.

Home Form

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Over the past six seasons, only two sides that have finished in the top four have not been amongst the top four in home record. Further, Everton have failed to break 40 home points in any of those seasons.

Everton started this season off on fantastic home-form, defeating Manchester United at Goodison Park.

A draw with Newcastle wasn't ideal (they rightfully won that match twice), but four home points in two matches against strong opposition sets them up well.

Expect Everton to continue this form and have one of their finest home seasons in quite some time.

Defense and Goalkeeping

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Fans of the USA national team should know what Everton have in net with Tim Howard. The keeper has made a name for himself both in the international ranks and the Premier League.

He has only let five balls past him through five matches. One was a meaningless consolation for Aston Villa as Karim El Ahmadi belted a cracker from distance. The only two questionably soft goals were Newcastle's first goal and West Brom's second.

If Everton's defense and Howard continue playing the way they have and concede just a goal per game on average, they should be headed for the top five. 

Marouane Fellaini's Incredible Play

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Look, Fellaini has been a fantastic player for a few years now. However, he has certainly stepped up his play to start the season.

The Belgian has opened his campaign with three goals and has been a spark for Everton on many more occasions.

If Fellaini can continue playing like this, he could easily provide the fuel to keep this team to the top of the table.

Team Spirit

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If you wonder how Everton's team chemistry is, just look at the squad.

After a spell away from the club, Steven Pienaar was more than happy about his return and has already netted for the club.

Despite being linked with summer moves away to the likes of Manchester United, Leighton Baines stayed at Goodison.

I mean, just look at some quotes from striker Nikica Jelavic, who seems to be overjoyed with the club and his teammates.

In a game so based on teamwork, Everton have one of the most close-knit teams.

This will certainly be an advantage going forward as they look to book a trip to Europe.

 

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