Can Everton still force their way into Europe?

Everton manager David Moyes is perhaps one of the best managers in the league and his hard work at Goodison Park often goes unnoticed. Despite a relatively small budget Moyes regularly ensures European football at Everton but this season they struggled at the beginning and some were even suggesting they could be involved in the relegation scrap.

Injuries have had a big part to play in Everton’s under-performing but the squad is starting to return to full fitness. Spanish midfield star Mikel Arteta returned as a late substitute in their win over Sunderland on Wednesday and his return could be vital. Arteta, as far as I’m concerned, is the best player in the Everton line-up and his absence has really been felt in the blue half of Merseyside – his return could well prove vital for Moyes’ hopes for the season.

After a run of three straight defeats Everton are now unbeaten in eight and more importantly they’re turning draws into wins. For the first time since September Moyes’ men are back in the top ten and should continue to move onwards and upwards. Last season Australian midfielder Tim Cahill was a vital part of Everton’s success. Cahill deputised as a striker when injuries hit their attack and chipped in with some vital goals. Scoring has been lacking in Cahill’s campaign so far but on Wednesday he bagged his first goal since September and if he can continue to find the target Everton will keep winning.

Moyes has built one of the most resolute sides in the league outside of the top four and they’ve been a hard team to beat for some time. The loss of Joleon Lescott to Manchester City in the summer didn’t help Everton’s cause but they seem to have finally got over his departure and are keeping teams at bay again. With 16 games left, Everton trail the top-seven by eight points and it looks as if Europe could be out of the question.

Europe has to be the target for Moyes at the start of the season but this time I reckon they might just miss out. Everton’s next five games could be crucial in securing a top six/seven finish (which is what will probably be needed for the Europa League, depending on who reaches the FA Cup final). They travel to Wigan on Saturday, before facing Liverpool (A), Chelsea (H), Manchester United (H) and Tottenham (A) – with two Europa League fixtures against Sporting Lisbon in the middle of all that. If they can keep up the tempo and pick up some points in those games, they may just get into Europe, but personally I think it is just a bit too much to ask after the poor start they had.

Written by Gareth Freeman, promoting Irish racing tips and the Grand National 2010.

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