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Three reasons for Everton to be positive about their start

Everton manager Ronald Koeman applauds the fans at the end of the game (REUTERS)
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Everton have made a strong to their first season under Ronald Koeman.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman applauds the fans at the end of the gameEverton manager Ronald Koeman applauds the fans at the end of the game

After seven games of the Premier League season, it is fair to say that Everton will be pleased by their start to the campaign.

Ronald Koeman took charge of the club in the summer following the sacking of David Moyes and has quickly set about changing multiple things at Goodison Park.

It has been a positive change, to say the least, with the Toffees currently sitting fifth in the table and just four points behind league leaders Manchester City.

There have been plenty of positives to take from his short time in charge so far but three things, in particular, stand out.

Everton's Ashley Williams applauds fans after the matchEverton’s Ashley Williams applauds fans after the match

The defence

If there is one area of the team that has particularly shone under Koeman it is the defence.

So far they have conceded just five goals, the second-best record in the league behind Tottenham Hotspur.

It is a far cry from the leaky defence they offered under Roberto Martinez and a burgeoning central partnership between Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams is looking a strong one.

Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Middlesbrough's Adam ForshawEverton’s Idrissa Gueye in action with Middlesbrough’s Adam Forshaw

Idrissa Gueye

A £7 million signing from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, Gueye was one of those signings that went under the radar.

He has proved to be one of the signings of the season, though, putting in a series of impressive performances that have seen him likened to N’Golo Kante.

So far he is looking like a truly inspired signing and likely to play a key role in any success they may enjoy moving forward.

Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal with Everton manager Ronald KoemanEverton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal with Everton manager Ronald Koeman

Romelu Lukaku’s form

After a whole summer of speculation about a potential exit, Lukaku ended up staying at Goodison Park this summer.

He has since started the season in fine form, scoring five goals in the Premier League so far, the joint second highest tally in the league.

Those goals have been key to helping Everton sit as high as they do and they will be hoping for more of the same across the campaign.