Everton have slowly begun to emerge from an indifferent start to their season and again threaten to break into the top six.
It appears that the shadowy events have transpired in Merseyside Derby, sparking the manager and players into positive action on the pitch that has resulted in a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
The return of boxing kangaroo Tim Cahill and his goals from midfield or as the second striker have also been invaluable.
Building on the excellent season that Everton had last campaign, Moyes has again spent wisely—ensuring that they can pursue cup success this season domestically and in Europe, which should combine nicely with their strong league form.
Currently heading their group in the UEFA cup and facing West Ham next week in the league cup, Everton may well be celebrating a cup success by the end of the season.
Everton now boast a forward line that is comparable to the best in the EPL. Yakubu has started to win over some of his doubters with a steady stream of goals. England international Andrew Johnson has had an injury-riddled campaign, but still offers pace and a reliable route to goal. James McFadden remains an enigma, but still offers something different off the bench.
But again, it has been Everton’s youngsters who have stolen the headlines. Victor Anichebe has stepped up to show us a glimpse of his frightening potential with goals in their UEFA cup matches. Coming off the bench, Anichebe has roughed up defenders and displayed predatory finishing capabilities, remarkable for someone so young.
James Vaughan showed in the last few games of last season that with his jet-heeled pace and strength he has the makings of a Goodison legend, but only if he can rid himself of the injury curse that has riddled his career to date.
Moyes is a strict disciplinarian and has forged Everton’s team spirit in the proverbial fire. Much of his success at Everton can be put down to a strong defence and an unheralded but world-class keeper in Tim Howard.
Yet this season they have struggled to keep clean sheets and this has some cost them dearly in a number of games.
Joleon Lescott, however, remains a tower of strength and has added goalscoring to his game. He would do well to his ignore the ridiculous criticism that he received during England’s ignominious displays against Russia and Croatia.
Everton possess a Basque magician in Mikel Arteta. His dazzling displays on the wing have again caught the eye. His set pieces and crossing ability are a major part of Everton’s armoury. At 25 years of age he can only improve, and should reach his peak in a few years—which should be frightening for Everton’s opponents.
Steven Pienaar’s arrival has added subtlety and creativity to a midfield that has for years been seen as a destructive force. As for defensive midfielder Lee Carsley, the aging 33 year old has again shown that he is a vital player in shutting down attacks and still has a place in most Evertonian’s hearts.
As Christmas approaches, Everton will need to call on their spirit and skill as they face a hectic schedule in the month of December. The African Cup of Nations will also test the resolve of the squad as up to four of their players will be unavailable over that time.
Moyes needs to overcome his fear of buying in the January transfer window, and dip into the till to strengthen the midfield.
A central midfielder is a must for this team, who are clearly lacking a player that can hold up the ball, pick out a pass, and dominate the midfield. I, for one, will divert my eyes if I have to watch Neville and Carsley in the middle of the park again.
Moyes remains the man crucial to Everton’s resurgence—and in a few years we may see his squad at top of the charts.
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10 months ago
Feel free to comment on this story. I'm interested to hear people's opinions on Moyes.
10 months ago
Everton is showing their 2005/06 form, when they peeped past Liverpol into 4th..Moyes has Champs League plan in his mind, and he's capable of doing that...but it will be tough this time
However, their UEFA Cup prospets are live and kicking!
10 months ago
Nice stuff Sean, always good to see another Toffees' fan's input.
As for finding an extra midfielder, I was gutted to see Manny Fernandes walk away at the last minute. Steven Appiah's name has come up but with the upcoming African Cup, it'll be unlikely that Moyes targets him. Like you mentioned, I will be happy as long as I don't have to witness Carsley and Neville together in the midfield.
The African Cup will test Everton's depth considering the likes of Yobo, Yakubu, Anichebe and Piennar will all be gone for their respective countries.
10 months ago
A good mid-season review Sean.
You re spot on with your assessment of the Everton midfield, but the question is, who is out there for Moyes to buy?
The type of player we need is hard to find and won't be cheep. Would Moyes be willing to make a big money move in January after what happened with his last such deal, James Beattie?
But something needs to be done. Maybe it s time to see more of young Bjarni Vidarsson.
The 19-year-old Icelandic has been at the club for a few years and could be the answer. Though I think it would be unfair just to throw him in at this level without giving him a chance to gain some more experience.
A lot has been said about the African Nations Cup. Without a doubt Yakubu, Anichebe, Yobo and Pienaar will be missed.
But have you seen the games they will be missing for? I think I m right in saying the most difficult is Blackburn away. The rest are winnable even with a reduced squad. Saying that, I ll be the one whining about how unfair it is to lose 4 players after a few bad performances!
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