The Toffees are currently a perfect 4-0-0 and sit at the top of the Premier League table after their 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday
The Premier League campaign has brought many surprises thus far, but without a doubt, the biggest one has been Everton’s complete dominance under Carlo Ancelotti. The Toffees went out and splashed the cash in the summer, signing three key midfielders in Allan from Napoli, James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, and Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford. James and Allan had previously played under Ancelotti at different clubs, so they were familiar with the Italian’s tactics.
After a 12th place finish last term, Everton is currently at the top of the table with a perfect record through four fixtures. They’ve looked practically unstoppable, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin really finding his form with a league-leading six goals already. The Merseysiders have bagged an average of three goals per match, beating the likes of Brighton, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, and West Brom.
James has made a massive difference on the right side of the attack, scoring three goals for the club while also tallying two assists. The Colombian had struggled to find a place at Real Madrid and at Bayern Munich on a loan spell, but it seems as he’s found a home at Goodison Park. Allan has been a rock in the middle of the pitch, providing solidity from box to box for the Toffees. Doucoure, who had made quite the name for himself with Watford, has also fit in nicely on the right-wing of their midfield three.
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Possession has been the name of the game for this side. They’ve controlled the ball 59 percent of the time and have made an impressive 581.5 passes per match, which is fifth in England’s top flight. Their backline has also conceded just five goals, with center-backs Michael Keane and Yerry Mina providing the utmost solidity.
Vibrant attack ready to lead Everton to a top-four finish
Playing in a 4-3-3 formation where they constantly press high up the pitch, Ancelotti has one of the finest frontline’s in England currently. Richarlison is typically deployed out left and is coming off a productive 2019/20 season, where he scored 13 goals. The Brazilian is out with a minor ankle injury but he’s still scored once and grabbed two assists.
Calvert-Lewin is one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League currently, having already scored six times. His desire to find the back of the net and sense for always being in dangerous areas in the final third has earned him a call-up to the England National Team, while also firing Everton to first place. Having a player of James’ quality providing him with exceptional service through the middle has contributed to his rapid start. Calvert-Lewin is already halfway to his goal total from all of last season through just four matches.
Rodriguez has been arguably the most influential player for Everton. A natural playmaker, James has a special eye for a pass. Whether it’s a simple through ball or a complete switch from left to right where he puts a ball in front of Calvert-Lewin to run onto, creative passes have been coming one after another from the Colombian international. Critics had their doubts that James would succeed in the Premier League, but he quickly put that narrative to rest.
This front three is full of tremendous pace and skill. All of them have the ability to net goals and set each other up. In an attacking-driven style of football, they’re all thriving and will continue to run riot on their opponents.
Liverpool is their next test
Their unbeaten streak will face a daunting task in two weeks’ time when they face Liverpool. The Reds were embarrassed by Aston Villa on Sunday, losing 7-2. This should be one of the most exciting Merseyside Derby’s in recent memory with a new-look Everton side who definitely has the talent to beat the defending Premier League champions.
Ancelotti made an immediate difference when he took over in December of 2019. He didn’t have the players in his squad that he wanted at the time, but he’s made a point of bringing in the necessary reinforcements in the summer to use his tactics to their best ability.
It’s still extremely early in the campaign, but Everton has been the talk of the town. A top-four finish will be the goal for the Toffees as the season rolls on and at the very least, a spot in the top six. Nonetheless, they have a reliable core of players at the forefront.
The losing days look to be over at Goodison Park.