Everton currently sit seventh in the Premier League after a fairly bright start to the league campaign.
After two uninspiring mid-table finishes under Roberto Martinez – the latter of which even saw the Spaniard dismissed before the season’s conclusion – Everton fans went into this campaign with plenty of optimism.
Due to the arrival of new part-owners in February, and the subsequent appointment of Ronald Koeman as Martinez’s successor, Toffees supporters had something to look forward to at the start of this season.
The Dutchman did an impressive job with Southampton, and certainly seemed to be a smart appointment. And while it’s too early to predict where they will finish this term – and their most recent game saw them go into the international break on a sour note – it appears that the Everton board’s decision to appoint Koeman has been a positive move.
Here’s a closer look at the first few months of Koeman’s tenure, along with some of the defining images of his spell so far:
Everton manager Ronald Koeman speaks to Ross Barkley as Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino looks on
Koeman’s time in charge began with a tough start as Tottenham travelled to Goodison Park on the opening weekend of the season. An early goal from Ross Barkley was cancelled out by Erik Lamela shortly before the hour-mark to ensure that the points were shared. Koeman’s relationship with Barkley has already emerged as an interesting sub-plot in Everton’s season.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman with West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis before the match
The Dutchman’s first win with the Toffees came away at West Brom in their second game. After falling behind, Everton turned the game around through Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry. The victory would signal the beginning of a brilliant run for the side.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal with manager Ronald Koeman
Martinez’s fate at Everton had been sealed after a 3-0 defeat against Sunderland last season. And while their meeting this season once again saw a 3-0 scoreline, it was the Toffees that came out on top and banished the painful memories of the previous clash. An 11 minute hat-trick from Romelu Lukaku decided a game that would prove to be the club’s fourth successive win in all competitions.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman and Norwich City manager Alex Neil
Everton’s five-match winning run would, surprisingly, come to an end in the EFL Cup as Norwich left Goodison Park with a place in the next round following a 2-0 win.
Koeman’s second defeat as Everton boss was just around the corner, as Bournemouth ended their unbeaten start in the Premier League. A first-half stunner from Junior Stanislas saw the Toffees fall out of the top four.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal with Everton manager Ronald Koeman against Crystal Palace
Everton bounced back from the two defeats, however, with a point against Crystal Palace. Lukaku opened the scoring before Christian Benteke’s equaliser.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the game
While the point against Palace may have left Everton fans underwhelmed, they would have been much happier coming away from the Etihad Stadium with a draw against Manchester City – even if they squandered the lead once again. The game pitted Koeman against his former Barcelona teammate Pep Guardiola.
(L – R) Everton manager Ronald Koeman, assistant Erwin Koeman and coach Duncan Ferguson against Burnley
Unfortunately, Everton’s winless run continued in their next clash as they were beaten 2-1 by Burnley. A Scott Arfield winner in stoppage-time would have undoubtedly left the Toffees feeling deflated after they appeared to be set for a point.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman applauds fans after the game against West Ham
Their most recent victory came in the home clash with West Ham. Goals from Lukaku and Barkley saw Everton secure a 2-0 win that consolidated their place in the top six.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman against Chelsea
Despite the promising start, Everton were brought back down to earth in emphatic fashion as Chelsea picked them apart last weekend and claimed a 5-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Despite the loss, the Toffees still sit seventh in the table and find themselves just six points adrift of the top four.
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