Everton manager Roberto Martinez may have welcomed the club’s qualification for the Europa League, claiming it as a logical step on the Toffees’ road to Champions League football in the future, but there is no doubt that their Premier League form has suffered as a result of their participation.
Now with two months until their next European game – a round of 32 meeting with BSC Young Boys of Switzerland – the Goodison Park club must focus on their domestic form, otherwise there will be no repeat of their top-four challenge this season.
Inconsistency
Everton have played six Europa League games so far this season, winning three, drawing two and losing one on their way to topping Group H. But in the Premier League matches following these games they have picked up just seven points out of a possible 18. The treadmill of playing Thursday night, then Sunday, travelling to face teams like Krasnodar in Russia, has taken its toll.
As reported in the betting news by the likes of bluesq.com, Martinez’s men have often looked lacklustre in the league and have struggled to find the same grit and determination as they have shown on the European stage.
With a limited squad that has been decimated by injuries to the likes of Ross Barkley, Gareth Barry and John Stones over the season so far, it is perhaps no wonder that Everton have struggled to ‘back up’ week after week. But now that they have a European break to look forward to, they will finally be aiming for some domestic consistency.
Saints There for the Taking
Next up for Everton, who ended a four-game winless run with victory over QPR on Monday, are a Southampton side who are facing their own battle for form. With the Saints having lost five straight games, there could be no better time for Martinez to take his men to St Mary’s.
The Spaniard will be hoping for the three points that can propel Everton into the top half of the table.