Slow start costs Everton a place in Europe

Man United were beaten 3-1 at Goodison Park; key players such as Pienaar could move on (pic © Trinity Mirror)

A woeful start to the 2009/10 Premier League
campaign has left Everton supporters wondering
what might have been, after injuries hampered the
club's attempt to improve on their fifth-place finish
the previous season.

The Blues struggled at the beginning of the season in August, with key players - including Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu - missing with serious injuries. Manager David Moyes even admitted that his side had to be careful not to slip into a relegation dogfight after his side had suffered early defeats at the hands of Arsenal, Burnley and Fulham.

The side struggled to recover from being humiliated on the opening day of the season, losing 6-1 at home to free-flowing Arsenal, and were in the bottom half of the table for much of the first half of the season.

Since the New Year however, Everton have looked a completely
different side. The return of their top performers coincided with a
run of good form and a steady climb up the table. Belgian
midfielder Marouane Fellaini began to prove his worth in a
deep-lying position before suffering an injury against Liverpool in
February which ended his season.

Impressive victories over league champions Chelsea,
Manchester United and a double over rivals Manchester City were
the highlights of a run which saw only two defeats in 22 league
games. This return to form gave the Blues a chance of sneaking
into a European qualification position.

With Arteta in goalscoring form after his comeback from a long
lay-off and on-loan American forward Landon Donovan showing
his attacking ability, Everton suddenly had strength in depth and
that showed in their performances, particularly at Goodison Park.

But despite being the third best team in the division in terms of
points this calendar year, Moyes' men failed to catch Manchester
City, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool, ending the season in a
nevertheless respectable eighth place.

Failure to qualify for Europe could leave Moyes with a very difficult summer trying to keep hold of his key players. Steven Pienaar has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs after an impressive season which saw him named the club's Player of the Season.

Jack Rodwell is rumoured to be a summer target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City and Moyes will not want to lose another young star in similar fashion to the way in which he lost Wayne Rooney in 2004.

If any players are to leave Everton then it is important that deals are done early in the summer, to avoid another transfer saga like that of Joleon Lescott, who was chased and eventually bought by Manchester City, which affected the squad in pre-season.

Should Moyes hold on to these star players though, next season could be one to remember for Everton fans. This team has proven what they can achieve in the second half of this season and with everyone fit, can compete with any team in the division.

Youngsters inspire Blues to 3-1 win over Man United >>