Last weekend’s draw at Swansea was a game that Everton should have won. Numerous chances were created, but the Blues struggled to find the target. It was an encouraging display however as, despite being the away team, the Toffees dominated the game whilst remaining, on the whole, solid at the back. Indeed, a third away clean sheet on the bounce suggests that Martinez has started to rectify some of the rear-guard issues that plagued the side last season. One noticeable improvement has been the speed at which we’ve been winning the ball back at times, engaging teams higher up the pitch. It requires a lot energy and working as a collective, cohesive unit, but it seems to be working.
Tuesday night also saw Martinez’s men successfully negotiate a potential banana skin away at Reading, booking a place in fourth round of the League Cup. Such is our atrocious record in the competition, it was a welcome change from the early autumn midweek gloom that characterises most seasons. A subsequent tie against Norwich City at Goodison represents an excellent chance to progress even further.
Attention now turns to the Everton’s third away game in just over a week, as the Blues travel to the Hawthorns on Monday night.
The Opposition – West Bromwich Albion
Having steered the Baggies away from relegation last season, Tony Pulis will be looking to consolidate their position. They currently sit 12th, but just a point behind Everton.
Pulis’ task has been made that bit more difficult though, as West Brom endured their own summer transfer saga. Saido Berahino clearly rates himself, and following interest from Spurs, submitted a transfer request. Once it was rejected, he claimed he would never play for West Brom again. All parties have supposedly reconciled since, and Berahino scored the winner against Aston Villa last weekend.
Notable summer arrivals include Rickie Lambert, Solamon Rondon and Jonny Evans.
It’s likely to be a sturdy defence that faces the Toffees on Monday, with the Baggies registering 3 clean sheets in a row.
What the Managers Say
Roberto Martinez – “Our focus needs to be exactly the same as it has been in our away performances – we have kept three clean sheets in our last three away Premier League games and that is very difficult to achieve.
“We have to be able to be ourselves, which is scoring goals and breaking down what is one of the best defensive units in the Premier League.”
“I think West Brom are in the best moment of their season so far. It’s been really clear that since the window shut there has been a real focus and their best performance arrived against Aston Villa in their last game. I thought they were very impressive.
“They have always been a team that is hard to break down and that defensive organisation is very clear – the clean sheet against Southampton highlighted that.
“We know what to expect – a very experienced side who take pride in themselves in playing at home in front of their fans, and a team that is able to score a goal.”
Tony Pulis – “We’ve played six games and have four clean sheets. The basis of what we work on and talk about, the lads have been very good at. Against Aston Villa we looked like we would score goals.
“We had looked threatening at times against Manchester City and Chelsea but without being really dominant in creating chances. Against Villa we should have scored more goals.”
“I watched their [Everton’s] last couple of games and they’re good.
“They’ve got some good players. The two kids at full-back have done exceptionally well and I mean that.
“Stones and Jagielka have formed a very good partnership, Barry is still performing at a very high level.
“Barkley has unbelievable ability, Kone is playing in from the right and can score.
“Lukaku can score, Naismith is a tremendous worker so they’ve got good energy and that little bit of grit and determination to win games and not to lose games and Roberto has got that in abundance at the moment.”
Team News
John Stones is touch-and-go after picking up an injury against Reading.
Seamus Coleman is closing in on a return.
Leighton Baines and Tom Cleverly are still a few weeks away.
Kevin Mirallas remains suspended.
Previous Meetings
Everton recorded a 2-0 victory at the Hawthornes last season, with Romelu Lukaku opening the scoring against his former club, and then Kevin Mirallas rounding off victory.
Victor Anichebe scored a late winner in 2012, whilst Leon Osman and Yakubu gave Everton a 2-1 victory in 2008.
It’s been a solid start considering the fixture list, but failure to win here would mean only 2 wins from 7. Failure to beat Swansea last weekend, and with both Liverpool and Manchester United to come at Goodison over the next couple of weeks, this is really a game Everton need to be winning.
Expected Starting XI – 4-2-3-1 – Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Kone, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku
