POSITION UPDATE: We end the matchweek in 6th following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw over Leicester City, who failed to clinch the title today.
This is the first time we have gone an entire 10 league matches unbeaten in the Premier League. And what a way to set a new personal record with a 3-0 win! We have won our last two matches by two goals or more, so the players mean business. We have also possibly ended our drawing streak for good with a second consecutive win. This has put us right on track for yet another season in the Europa League, and this time, the experience from before ought to help Slaven and the players, what with the pre-season starting earlier than others. The Baggies could have scored early on with some of the chances they had, but Adrián and the defenders did very well to prevent an early setback away from home.
Throughout the season, our attacking threat has been very strong. We are the fourth side to get 60 goals this season. Our attack was the more efficient, as we made better use of the shots we had, with a higher proportion on target than West Brom. Jonathan Leko, became the first player to start a Premier League game, having been born in 1999. He was quite calm when he came out to warm-up, and made it very difficult for Cresswell, getting in sensational crosses. He also had a good dribbling ability. Craig Gardner missed quite a few chances set up by the youngster, which could have given them the lead, but we can thank our players for being clinical.
Speaking of which, all three of our goals came from our midfielders. West Brom were pressing forward, which gave us chances on the counter, which we scored through stunning build-up play. Payet has assisted us wonderfully with 10 assists from him in the league. The last player to get into double figures for assists was Paolo di Canio with 13 assists in the 1999/2000 season. We know how to play to our strengths. West Brom tried to get a goal back, but they were bound to leave room for a certain player – I think you understand. Even when Carroll hasn’t managed to score goals, we have stuck to our guns, which is partly why only Southampton have scored more headed goals than us this season with 14, as opposed to our 13. 5 of those have come from Andy Carroll.
The win has reignited our hopes of maybe getting a Champions League spot. A loss for Manchester United today will put us ahead of them of goal difference having played the same number of games. A win for Leicester City, and they’ll be champions. The Foxes are unbeaten since Valentine’s Day (9 matches), however Man United are only unbeaten in their last 2 matches. A couple of seasons ago, Everton finished in 5th. Ever since, they bought Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for a record fee of £28M, as well as Funes Mori. We have another Belgian in mind in Michy Batshuayi, or the better proven Alexandre Lacazette.
These signings have increased expectation. However, this is something that the club have failed to rise to. Last season, they finished 11th, and are currently in the same position in the league. There is growing pressure on Martinez to resign. These expectations have come about from pundits, the fans themselves, and owners of the club. The positive to take from all this is that the constant attention Everton receives helps them to improve for the better with a lot of evaluation, not to mention the fact that they won’t be relegated in the near future.
Another great team performance today.. Big 3 points! Happy to break the club record with the most points in a @premierleague season ?????
— AARON CRESSWELL (@Aaron_Cresswell) April 30, 2016
We have had the luxury of playing with an almost fully-fit squad. We didn’t need Obiang in that match, though Valencia could have been a better substitution for Payet, as opposed to Moses. Antonio played well as a right-back making two vital clearances. Looks like Byram really is one for the future. Either that or Bilic doesn’t want to have Antonio on the flanks as a winger, but more like a wing-back for the time being. Another two wins from our next two matches could keep our top 4 hopes alive if City fail to win most of their remaining fixtures.