The mighty blues of Everton ran riot on the South Coast as a wonderfully rounded display lead to 3 goals and 3 points. Here’s 5 things we learned from the impressive performance:
1. Martinez is learning his lessons
Roberto’s finally cottoning on. Last season, his 4-2-3-1 system served up turgid display after turgid display, but the Catalonian stuck to his guns and persisted with it against Watford.
Same formation, same drivel, but when Arouna Kone was summoned and Everton played with 2 strong forwards, the initiative was handed to the Blues.
Today, Martinez branched out from his normal system of choice and set the team up in a way that suited just about everybody. The diamond in the middle suited Cleverley and co. down to the ground, while Lukaku was a different proposition altogether with a strike partner in Kone.
It’ll be interesting to see how Roberto lines the boys up against City, but the re-introduction of tactical flexibility was almost as encouraging as the result.
2. Cleverley will be a very important player for the Blues
His arrival didn’t send the Everton fan base into delirium, but after an encouraging pre-season followed by two positive, industrious displays, the England international seems to have the requisite tools to become an integral part of the Everton set-up.
Cleverley’s work ethic, sharp footballing brain and ability to cross were all evident at the St. Mary’s, and as soon as he fully beds into his role as a Toffee, I’m sure he’ll chip in with goals.
He’s not a lightning quick winger like Deulofeu or a wideman with a bit of everything like Mirallas, but Cleverley is proving himself to be a dynamic, useful player and is winning over Evertonians, one-by-one.
3. Turns out Kone can play!
After a match-saving cameo last week, Arouna Kone was given the opportunity to make his mark from the get-go against Southampton.
He did exactly that, with clever runs, strong hold-up play and an assist for Romelu Lukaku, the Ivorian is shutting the boo-boys up and is proving that he can be a worthwhile option for Everton Football Club.
Dixie Dean he is not, prolific he may never be, but Kone helps bring the best out of Lukaku and if he can maintain consistency and fitness, we may be seeing two up top more often.
The Ivorian’s running power was a big part of why Everton were so dangerous on the counter-attack against the Saints, credit to Martinez for putting his faith in the former Wigan star. Rewards were reaped, dividends paid.
4. Howard’s distribution a big problem
Tim Howard has never been good with the ball at his feet, but in a display with not many flaws, the American’s distribution was still a worry.
His kicks would seldom find a man, he almost played his defence into trouble on a couple of occasions, and he’s just not comfortable with the ball at his feet.He really needs to work on this aspect of his game as I’m truly fearful that it’ll cost us points throughout the season.
Having said that, Tim produced a largely assured display today and was equal to whatever came his way, the save with his feet from Mane was exquisite, more of the same in that regard, Tim!
FACT: Today’s clean sheet was Everton’s second in their last 18 away games.
5. Barkley’s brewing something big
Another great goal, another encouraging display from the Toffee that comes from Wavertree.
Barkley seemed to really revel in his position at the tip of the diamond, his passes were adventurous, there was more intelligence to his game and he grew more confident as the game wore on.
There were still times where Ross took too long to release and he didn’t always capitalise on the space that gaped in front of him, but there were so many positives to take from the 21-year-old’s display.
He lapped up the celebrations, took his goal extremely well and most importantly looked like the exciting, direct and dangerous player that we all know he can be. You’re well and truly in my good books, Ross.
Encouraging from both the team and the manager today, let’s hope for a similar result when Manchester City roll into Goodison Park. Oh, how the club needed that.
