Unexpected Draw Offers Toffees Vital Springboard

August 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Everton forward Steven Naismith (14) moves the ball against Real Madrid during the first half of the International Champions Cup at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

A watershed moment in Everton’s season or just a flash in the pan? Opinion is divided on The Toffees recent 1-1 draw with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Goodison Park.

Fighting back from a goal down in the second half that saw Fernandinho grab the first strike, Everton showed tremendous spirit to earn a point against Manuel Pellegrini’s men – and it was a performance that saw them stop their seemingly inevitable slide towards a five match losing streak. And although it still doesn’t sound great to go five league games without a win, this is a little victory that they should use as a stepping stone to get back to where they ought to be.

Fully deserving of their share of the spoils on Saturday evening which saw a Steven Naismith goal restore parity late on in the 78th minute, there can’t be too many dissenting voices who would disagree.

In truth, combining their display against The Citizens with the way they had played against West Ham United in the FA Cup just a few days beforehand makes one wonder whether they have indeed turned a corner in their season.

Ultimately, of course, their woes will not be reversed immediately; it’s going to take time and even more hard-fought victories before the mistakes of this season are undone, and it will take yet more for the players and staff to win over the fans, who’ve grown increasingly impatient with Roberto Martinez’s methods, results and stubborn positivity.

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Another element they’ll require is further investment in the January transfer window. And with The Mirror reporting that they’ve expressed an interest in bringing in Aaron Lennon from Tottenham Hotspur, they might just be taking their slump seriously.

Consistency is the key to any team enjoying a successful season, and Everton are no exception. A quick glance at their next six league fixtures sees The Blues go up against the likes of league-leaders Chelsea as well as a resurgent Arsenal – two rigorous matches – but it’s the outcome of their next trio of games that should decide whether or not they’ve actually turned things around.

Tough ties with West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and a hugely important clash with Merseyside rivals Liverpool will be a great litmus test of their abilities, and if they can scrape together a respectable seven points from those, the blue half of Everton might not be so glum.

Because, truth be told, they really ought to have enough to see off The Baggies and The Eagles. On paper, Everton have a much stronger squad than both of them and, buoyed by their heroics against City, should get maximum points there, provided they maintain a similar level of focus and intensity right across the park.

However, it’s the clash against Liverpool that’s more difficult to predict. Merseyside derbies are always fiery and competitive affairs, which makes them capricious and, ultimately, hugely enjoyable to watch – but if they can harness the energy of nullifying City, anything is possible against The Reds.

Frankly, they stunned many with their performance against last season’s champions, a reaction which showcased just how much of an underdog they’ve become and, although they won’t want to revert back to it for too long, that’s the very mentality they need to use to their advantage.

They continue to be a sleeping giant, all they need to reawaken themselves fully is a string of good performances.

Now that they’ve thrown down the gauntlet, let’s see if they can endure.

Do you think Everton have finally got back on track?

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