Everton Face 6 Key Games to Define Their Season

At the start of the season, "time" and "patience" were key words for Evertonians.

Roberto Martinez was installed as the club's first new manager in 11 years and would require substantial time to implement his style on the club. Fans would then need patience while he enforced his methods and acclimatised to his new surroundings.

Having finished last season in the top six, two points ahead of Liverpool and 14 clear of eighth, another top eight finish was a realistic, achievable objective for Martinez's first season.

However, 18 points from nine games, including 15 from the last six games, has temporarily distorted every modest preseason pre-conception. The Toffees have won in style and, more importantly, have also collected the points when not in full flow.

But exactly how good are Martinez's Everton? Over the next six games the answer should become far more transparent.

That's because the Toffees' next six-game stretch is arguably their toughest combination of fixtures this season.

First, Tottenham are welcomed to Goodison Park on Sunday, before an away trip to Crystal Palace serves as a warm-up to Martinez's first Merseyside derby. 

After Liverpool, Stoke are entertained—a side Everton have regularly struggled to beat—before the Toffees travel to Manchester United and Arsenal.

Each match will test Martinez in a different way, but clearly clashes with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs will prove decisive in many ways.

Thus far, Martinez's side have suggested they have potential to exceed initial expectation and contest for European places. Last season, Everton sustained a Champions League challenge right through to March, before eventually falling behind Arsenal and Tottenham.

If Martinez wishes to replicate this and ideally prolong that challenge, these upcoming games are essential match-ups. Wins in these contests will prove crucial come the end of the season.

Last year, home games with Liverpool and Spurs brought four points, while just a point was taken from the away trips to Manchester United and Arsenal. That return would be adequate enough, but multiple wins would really make a statement.

David Moyes' away record at big clubs was shambolic. He never won at Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea in the Premier League.

His Merseyside derby record was one of the most disappointing aspects of his tenure, only managing a handful of home wins, and this is the game Martinez will be desperate for success in.

Many considered the primary reason for these failings under Moyes to be mental fragility, which is why these games will show so much about Martinez.

He will look to create a similar approach to the one his Wigan side used in their momentous FA Cup win, looking for far more attacking intent than was ever the case under Moyes. If Martinez can show he's erased the Toffees' mental scars then the hype around his new club will soar.

There's already been reason to take Martinez's evolving side seriously; the next six games will determine exactly how they should be viewed this season.

Follow @Matt_Cheetham