It has been a very long international break for fans of Everton. Prior to the break, the Toffees suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Burnley. The defeat was the Merseysiders fourth in their last five Premier League games.
The run is a far cry from the summer when there was great excitement surrounding the Toffees and their new additions. The Toffees looked to have made some shrewd signings. Yet seven games into the season and Koeman’s side are just two points clear of the relegation zone.
The season has been that poor that the Merseysiders head to Premier League new boys Brighton on Sunday under major pressure. It could prove to be a crunch game for Everton boss Koeman.
The Seagulls have been in decent home form so far this season and certainly will not be easy opponents for the struggling visitors.
Players are lacking confidence
A tough schedule at the start of the Premier League campaign has shattered the confidence of many of Everton’s players. Koeman has talked about the Toffees players having a fear of playing.
That fear is caused by poor performances and results, which Everton have produced both of in recent months. When confidence is low in a team, players are scared to make a mistake or try something different to help their team win games. That lack of confidence is crippling the players at the moment.
Manager’s decisions questioned
Ronald Koeman’s Everton career is under threat. It would not be surprising if the Dutchman left the club if the Toffees lose on the south coast, the situation is that dire at the club.
The former Southampton boss reportedly picks up £6million per-year on Merseyside. He is not representing very good value for money at the minute. Some of his decisions have been woeful this season.
One of the biggest mistakes by Koeman or the club is not replacing top scorer Romelu Lukaku in the summer. However, another was signing three number tens in Wayne Rooney, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen, although it is questionable if it was his decision to sign all three players.
Even if it was not his decision to sign three number of tens, for the best part of the season the Dutchman has insisted on actually starting the trio. The result has been awful football, with a complete lack of width in Everton’s attacking play.
Koeman has decided to overlook wingers Kevin Mirallas and Ademola Lookman in favour of playing the number tens out of position this season. Sigurdsson proved just what he could do on international duty with Iceland recently. The former Swansea star scored and produced an assist, unsurprisingly in his favoured number ten role.
Why the highly paid football boss cannot see the problem that thousands of fans, neutrals and pundits can see is beyond me. We can all see Everton’s problems, yet Koeman insists on repeating the same tactical mistakes.
A vital game for Everton and Koeman
Everton would usually fancy their chances of recording a win at Brighton in normal circumstances. Despite their current terrible form, the Toffees are still the favourites to win this clash at 6/4. That is not a bet most Evertonian’s will be rushing to put on. The main reason being that their team have failed to win in 11 away games in the Premier League.
In truth, the Toffees have been terrible to watch for much of the season. There has been a lack of skill, cohesion and shape in Koeman’s team. Some have stated that new players need to settle in at the club. The problem is that there is no sign of improvement in the Everton team.
If Koeman continues to pick the same team in the same soul-destroying formation, then Sunday’s game could be a very long one. It is vital for the Toffees to turn their fortunes around in the near future.
If that does not happen, then Ronald Koeman will be heading for the Everton exit door. Despite the recent vote of confidence from majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, the Dutchman looks to be living on borrowed time on Merseyside.
Will Everton win at Brighton on Sunday?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
