After a disappointing end to the 2015/16 season, Everton are hoping for a new lease of life under Ronald Koeman.
Despite heavy investment, Everton’s season ended in disappointment in 2016, with the club missing out on European yet again. Frustrated with the progress the squad was making, Everton’s hierarchy made the decision to sack Roberto Martinez, and bring in new boss Ronald Koeman, who they hope will be the missing piece in the complicated puzzle of a football club that is Everton.
Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez
Everton’s start to the year was lacklustre, and the club went the month of January without a win. Despite two 3-0 wins against Newcastle United and Stoke City respectively, pressure was beginning to mount on Roberto Martinez, as the club failed to win a game between the 5th of March to the 30th of April.
Everton’s Ross Barkley looks dejected
A number of Everton’s better players, such as Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, looked seriously out of form, and Roberto Martinez was struggling to get the best out of them. Everton looked downtrodden and dejected, as the club picked up just one more league win, ending the season in 11th.
Everton’s Leighton Baines looks dejected
This poor league finish, added to the disappointment of dropping out of the FA Cup in the semi-final against a Manchester United side that were there for the taking, led the Everton board to make the decision of sacking Martinez.
Manchester United’s Timothy Fosu-Mensah fouls Everton’s Ross Barkley
Moving quickly to bring in a new manager, Everton turned to Southampton’s impressive Dutch manager, Ronald Koeman, who had been tipped in the past as a possible replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright and new manager Ronald Koeman pose
After Koeman’s impressive run with his former team, Everton fans were hoping for big things from their new manager, and the Toffees got off to a decent enough start, beating West Brom and Stoke City and an opening day 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to a goal from the revitalised Ross Barkley.
Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their first goal of the season
Everton’s form throughout September and October however was varied, as the Toffees scored 12 goals over the course of the two months, picking up wins against Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Ham. Amongst Everton’s better performers, was record-signing Romelu Lukaku, who appeared to be flourishing under his new manager.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring with Everton manager Ronald Koeman
November however, would prove to be embarrassing, as Everton suffered arguably the low-light of their year at Chelsea, losing 5-0. After drawing 1-1 with Swansea City, Everton then lost 1-0 to Southampton, ending the month without a win.
Everton’s Tom Cleverley, Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas look dejected after Chelsea’s third goal
Until recently, Everton haven’t showed many signs of improving. Their weakness at the back has often been exploited, as the Toffees drew 1-1 with Manchester United and lost 3-2 to Watford. However, after their recent fightback against Arsenal, which saw the Merseyside club win 2-1 thanks to goals from Seamus Coleman and Ashley Williams, Everton are proving not to be a rollover, and Toffees fans will be hoping that it’s performances like this that will end up shaping the rest of their season.
Everton’s Ashley Williams scores their second goal
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