Another enthralling Premier League season has culminated to a dramatic finish, with excitement and tension carrying on all the way throughout the season, to the final day. It saw unpredictability at both ends of the table, with Cardiff, Fulham and Norwhich dropping to the second tier of English football, whilst surprise package Liverpool dropped points in the crucial last few games of the season, handing the title to Manchester City. It’s exposed some unlikely hero’s and obnoxious villain’s along the course of the season with both managers and players proving themselves through innovative tactics and decisive goals. But the most interesting factor of this season was the mass introduction of new managers; With a total of 14 new managers (not including caretaker managers) brought in, many teams were set for a change in philosophy and style, which for a few teams almost, or did prove costly.
After a long serving manager in David Moyes left Goodison Park after an impressive 11 years in the Summer, Everton’s search for a young, adept replacement begun immediately. Various names were thrown about, with Vitor Pereira and Ralf Ragnick’s among the favourites, yet no matter how many times they were mentioned, they didn’t seem convincing compared to Roberto Martinez, the Wigan boss. 5th of June 2013, and Roberto Martinez is named the new toffees boss. With his first words to chairman Bill Kenwright being “I will get Everton into the Champions League”, optimism and hope emanated from Goodison once more. The Spaniards first task was to justify his position as Everton manager during pre-season. Losing his first game in charge to Austria Vienna, many fans were pessimistic in predicting another tedious season ahead, but two successive wins against Accrington Stanley and Blackburn suggested different. Despite these two wins coming against relatively easy opposition, Martinez proved himself with a win against Juventus, which produced a moment of sheer genius from young prospect, John Stones, as he pulled off a sensational ‘Panenka penalty’ in front of Andrea Pirlo, who had just missed his! Not much success came after this; Martinez knew he had to strengthen the squad in order to justify his encouraging statement.
As the Summer window opened, Martinez was quick to purchase his first couple of players in Antolin Alcaraz and Joel, who he was acquainted with at former club, Wigan. Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry followed shortly after, and would feature on the long list of loan players brought in. James McCarthy was the third Wigan player introduced to the squad, and was acquired for £13 million, the second most expensive player in the clubs history. The last player picked up in the Summer was Romelu Lukaku, the 20 year old exciting striker, on loan. Victor Anichebe and Marouane Fellaini were both sold, with a combined total of £33.5 million, giving Martinez the money to improve the squad even further, in an effort to push for a Champions League position.
And so it began, the reign of Roberto Martinez. The first competitive game facing the Spaniard was away at Norwich. It saw the home side opening the score, causing anxiety among the travelling fans. However, Everton equalized through hot prospect Ross Barkley, who previously, Everton fans didn’t know much about. Two more goals followed, coming from Coleman for Everton, and Van Wolfswinkle for Norwich. A draw was a fair result, but this can’t be said for the next two games, also ending in draws, despite Everton dictating the play. It wasn’t a positive start for Martinez, especially after stating his Champions League ambitions. However, a chance to prove himself against the ‘big dogs’ of English football came along, as the toffees next game was at home to Chelsea. Once more, Everton seemed to dominate possession, yet this time, a beautifully worked Naismith goal gave Everton their first three points of the campaign. Subsequent to their first victory, Martinez and his squad took 6 more points from the next two fixtures at West Ham and Newcastle, winning 3-2 both times. With two of the most remarkable costless kicks from Baines, and moments of genius from Lukaku and Barkley took Everton up to 3rd in the table.
A couple more results were recorded, with a win against Villa and Hull, a loss at Manchester City and 2 consecutive draws. By this time, the inconsistent Blues were faced against arch-rivals, Liverpool. Although the Merseyside derby is considered one of the most fierce and passionate in England, it’s been given a reputation of being tiresome and mundane; Yet this year it challenged the reputation, and produced 2 of the most exciting and appealing games of the season! The first meeting of the two sides was played at Goodison, with Blues tense and Reds equally so. As the whistle blew for kick off, it was clear that this encounter would prove to be an animated one, with both teams attacking immediately. 5 minutes in however, and poor defending of a corner lead to Coutinho tapping one home to put the visitors in the league. Despite Liverpool’s best efforts to grab a second, A Baines costless kick fell to Mirallas kindly, who himself had to tap it in, which leveled the score. The third of the afternoon came from Luis Suarez, who converted a costless kick in sensational style, curling majestically around the Everton wall, which took the visitors into half time with a 1-2 lead. As the game progressed, Everton were persistent in searching for an opening, and it finally came through a Mirallas cross which was missed by new boy James McCarthy, the ball dropped to on loan Lukaku who guided it into the bottom corner. 2-2 in one of the most eagerly anticipated derby’s in many years. After grabbing the equalizer, Everton were determined to finish the game off with another. Once more, the home side hit the back off the net, and once more it came from the Belgian, Romelu Lukaku. A powerful header from a corner was guided beautifully into Mignolet’s net, sending the home crowd into jubilation. The Gwladys street was packed with euphoric supporters, with a victory in sight. But despite Everton’s best efforts to keep their rivals out, it wasn’t enough, with Daniel Sturridge equalizing in the last minute of the game. All that was on the fans’ mind was resentment and irritation, letting it slip in the dying embers of the game, but they would soon realize that this was a result to savor.
An emphatic victory is recorded against Stoke, and Everton are flying high as they come into their game against Manchester United. After taking charge at Manchester United, David Moyes’ side took on the Scotts former team for the first time since his departure. Martinez’s predecessor was struggling at Old Trafford, and was desperate for a victory. A match that was destined to be a close one lived up to expectations, in a pulsating 0-1 victory. Both sides seemed intent from the off, but it took 86 minutes for the only goal to be produced, and from who other than the man of the moment, Bryan Oviedo. A Lukaku ‘shot’ fell to the Costa Rican who arrived at the far post to slide the ball past De Gea, resulting in Everton’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1992.
A well fought draw at the Emirates followed by 2 successive wins. The first came against struggling Fulham and 2 sensational strikes from youngsters Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkley gave Everton fans more to cheer about. On a fantastic run of form, Roberto Martinez’s team were strong favorites coming into the Sunderland game, hoping to finish the year with another victory. However, newly appointed Poyet had other plans. All in all, it was a poor game, with Ki acquiring the three points through a penalty kick, however, the game had more significance than a mere defeat. Going an entire calendar year unbeaten at home would of been an impressive feat for the toffees, but beating the black cats proved one step to far. Although there was a slight feeling of disappointment, there was plenty more good football to be observed in the coming weeks.
An average run of results for the blues kept them in contention for a Champions League position; However a major setback was soon to come, as they faced Liverpool in the reverse fixture. From an Everton fans point of view, it’s best to keep this bit short to avoid embarrassment. Everton lost 4-0 with an abysmal performance; They were simply outclassed by their rivals with outstanding displays from (soon to be top scorer) Suarez and co.
A small dip in results didn’t necessarily reflect a dip in form for Everton, with losses at both Spurs and Chelsea. With heads remaining high, the Everton squad were determined to verify their advanced position in the table, and show why they were worthy of a Champions League position. A seven game winning streak was conjured up, which proved to be one of many club records the Spaniard set in his first season with the blues, which put Everton in the driving seat for 4th place. A couple of notable victories were recorded among this streak; one of which was a 0-3 win against Newcastle, with Ross Barkley scoring yet another sublime solo goal, running from his own half, and eventually hammering the ball past Krul. Another being a triumph against Arsenal who were Everton’s main rivals for the 4th position, which produced another 3 goal thriller at Goodison. It looked almost nailed on the newly appointed Martinez would be taking his team into the Champions league, with a game in hand on Arsenal, against Crysal Palace; But it’s the Premiership, it’s never that easy.
As hopeful home fans traversed to Goodison Park once more, the sun was dawning on a Wednesday evening, and the blues were looking to ratify a Champions League place. Despite this mid week fixture being played against a mid table side, Tony Pulis knows how to distribute his players against any side (hence the LMA manager of the season award), and is his fantastic tactical awareness is often overlooked. As soon as the whistle blew to start the game, it was obvious it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. After 48 minutes, Everton were trailing by two goals to nil. And although on form Naismith and Mirallas pulled 2 back, it wasn’t enough to stop the eagles, who went on to win 2-3. Arsenal were back in front in the race for 4th, and yet, with 4 games in the season remaining, Everton weren’t going to abandon their ambitions.
The next game came against Manchester United, and it saw Roberto Martinez’s Goodison predecessor, David Moyes’ first return to Goodison. Regardless of his somewhat insulting transfer talk involving Everton, Moyes admitted he was expecting a warm welcoming from his former clubs supporters, but when it came down to it, a mixed reaction of boo’s and cheers rung around the Scott’s head, as he smiled and waved on to the crowd. But this smile would soon be wiped off his face with his team conceding two goals. Discounting the win, this game had much more influence on the Manchester United team than first thought, with Moyes’ former side ultimately getting the United man sacked, as it was announced a few days later. It all seemed so impeccable for the Merseyside team.
In spite of Everton remaining in contention for a top 4 spot, it seemed to go downhill when it mattered the most. 2 own goals away at Southampton almost diminished Everton’s Champions League football aspirations, and although these dreams had come to an end, Everton had secured a Europa league position, with elation from fans. The last couple of games were practically meaningless, apart from the drama surrounding the Manchester City game. Many Everton fans were willing to lose this fixture, as it would mean City snatching the title from Liverpool’s hands. Even though Martinez was aware of the fans views surrounding the game, his positivity and optimism was really displayed, as he went out to win it, and despite their best efforts, Everton were simply outclassed by future champions, Manchester City. The last day of the season had arrived, and Everton traveled to Hull to round off an all round magnificent campaign. James McCarthy, a fan favorite, finally managed to bag his first Everton goal, and Romelu Lukaku may have scored his last, as he was seen thanking the away support.
Martinez’s side had to settle for 5th place, after falling agonizingly close to their desired 4th spot. However, there’s much to take out of it. With almost no money compared to the likes of Arsenal and Spurs, riddled with injuries throughought the season and a new manager, it’s a magnificent accomplishment to finish so high up the table. And although the long wait for a trophy continues, fans will be more than delighted with the Spaniards first season at Goodison. His tactics and philosophies have been rated highly among other managers, clubs and supporters, with talk of Barcelona taking interest in future years. However, he’s unlikely to leave anytime soon, besides, ‘the school of science’ is on it’s way back…