With Everton riding high once again, it is time to look at the main factor behind their renewed success.
A month or two ago everyone had already written Everton off this season. Under Ronald Koeman they had experienced a mixed start to their Premier League campaign, and many were already questioning whether the Dutchman was the right man for the job.
Alas it turns out that he very much is, as the Toffees are right back on track in their quest to secure a top six finish.
There are a number of factors that can be attributed to this rise in momentum, with Romelu Lukaku’s goal-scoring efforts being one of the main ones.
However above all else, their defensive qualities at the back have been impeccable in comparison to the side we saw a few months ago.
Everton’s Ashley Williams in action
With four clean sheets in their last five Premier League games, Everton look like an entirely different team. Koeman has finally found a system that works and what’s important is that the players are sticking their neck on the line for the sake of the club once again.
That is a rarity these days and a lot of praise should be sent towards the likes of Ashley Williams, who initially struggled with the transition over to Goodison Park.
Everton manager Ronaldo Koeman
Williams’ ability to pass out from the back, continually throw himself in front of the ball to block it away and timing with interceptions have all come on leaps and bounds.
The defender has gone from a potential flop to a completely rejuvenated player, and that back line can now consider themselves to be the core of an extremely solid all-round side.
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