Everton can get its season back, but that outcome depends on whether (and how quickly) the team fixes its problems up front.
After spending £140 million in bringing in new signings in the summer, there was a feel-good atmosphere at Everton going into the season. But the team hasn’t hit the ground running. Although fans still believe their team will contend for one of the top four positions in the Premier League, a big question now looms: Will they?
Courtesy: Goal.com
The reason? It’s a terrible start: four straight defeats with 12 goals conceded and none scored. The team has received more yellow cards than the number of shots on target.
Yes, Everton’s manager, Ronald Koeman, can say his side has had a difficult early schedule–the team has already played Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United, But I don’t think their woeful display can be attributed fully to the competition level. I think Everton’s awful start can be blamed on the tactics Koeman has adopted.
Everton has switched to a 3-4-3 formation from the traditional 4-3-3 formation the team had played previously. Playing with back three and two wing backs is a tactic popular among Dutch coaches. The likes of Louis Van Gaal and Frank De Boer used it when they managed in England — and unsuccessful so.
Why? The 3-4-3 formation is very demanding and takes time to perfect. You need quality players with a high work rate to execute the plan. In my opinion, Everton doesn’t have that quality and I believe it’s why Koeman’s side has struggled to pick up points, especially against the big clubs.
The 3-4-3 formation
Koeman says he saw signs of improvement against Manchester United, despite losing 4-0. And, in fairness, Everton’s second-half performance was encouraging. A 3-0 win against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup provided more evidence of that.
But now it’s down to ‘prove it’ time. Everton’s next three league fixtures against Bournemouth, Burnley, and Brighton will define their season. Anything short of wins may drag the club into crisis.
Koeman reportedly had a meeting with his senior players after their 3-0 demolition v. Atalanta in the Europa League. The manager questioned his senior players’ commitment and tasked them to rise to their responsibilities. The manager has also pleaded with fans to be patient with the team as it goes through a transition period.
But fans have a right to expect more–especially after the team engaged ambitiously during the transfer window. So, now, Koeman is under heavy scrutiny as his team has been pushed into the relegation zone following recent poor showings.
Courtesy: NSNO
It has become clear that Koeman has issues to address. The lack of firepower up front is concerning. The club failed to bring in an out-and-out-striker during the summer spending spree. Everton doesn’t press high enough in the opposition half and they lack pace and mobility to threaten teams in the final third.
Will Koeman stick with the 3-4-3 formation or revert to the 4-3-3? I think players are more comfortable playing the 4-3-3. The traditional back four give players what they are used to, and it will definitely bring back their confidence.
I believe Everton can get its season back, but that outcome depends on whether (and how quickly) this team fixes its problem up front.
