Everton’s Demise: Confusing and Disappointing

While I can’t hide my glee at the Premier League being back in action, with all of that joy comes a bit of sadness. As a Manchester United fan I’ve already witnessed the ups and downs that every Premiership season brings, but even outside of my own club I have already experienced some dreadful emotions.

Everton Football Club brings the most sadness for me. While I’m not a diehard Toffees fan by any stretch of the imagination, I have always found a soft spot inside for the hard working people’s club of Liverpool. Couple that with the fact that they’ve got the USA’s number one goalkeeper, and you’ve got a second team of choice for any American.

This season, though, has brought far too much disappointment for David Moyes and his men. Two matches into their season, and two losses later, Everton fans – and football fans in general – are still scratching their heads at Everton’s woes.

I, for one, can’t put a finger on their problems. Look around the pitch and you’ll see some of the most exciting talent in the league. The defense in front of Tim Howard (who is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premiership) is solid: Phil Neville, Leighton Baines, Joseph Yobo, and Phil Jagielka are just some of the talented and experienced heads in the back.

Everton’s midfield is even better. Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini combine to form one of the Premier League’s most balanced midfields. Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta are two of the most skilled wingers with the ball at their feet, and goals have never been a problem for this foursome.

Up top Everton enjoys a wealth of riches. Louis Saha, while he missed his penalty against Burnley, has proven that he knows how to score. Combined with Jo and Yakubu, the Toffees front line has goals, pace, and power to spare.

Their manager is no slouch, either. David Moyes is one of the most proven managers in the world, and the man often tipped to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at United has a lot to figure out. The distraction of Joleon Lescott should end soon with his move to City imminent, and injuries to key players such as Yakubu and Mikel Arteta should be resolved soon.

So perhaps it’s that Lescott distraction, or maybe it’s the injuries. Whatever it is, Everton’s disappointing start to the season is a bit confusing for football fans. With so much talent spread around the pitch, Everton could find themselves challenging the top four for a Champions League spot. In order to do that, though, Everton will need to sort themselves out. Fast.

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