I have been recently asked my a number of people, to look and present whether Everton are suffering from having to play Europa League fixtures alongside their regular run of games. So in this piece I will look at how Everton have done in the games in the week following each Europa League game and say whether I think the Continental clashes are affecting their Premier League position.
A tough result to decipher as Tottenham is always a tough place to travel. However to be challenging like last year, Everton need to be taking points from these games. Then a draw at home against a disappointing Hull side shows that fatigue had to be playing a part.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
A good win at home against QPR would be pleasing for Everton on the face of it. However QPR have been dreadful on their travels and the Europa League game before hand was a disappointing defeat to Krasnodar.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Thursday September 18th- Everton 4-1 Wolfsburg
Game 1 after: Sunday September 21st- Everton 2-3 Crystal Palace -Premier League
Game 2 after: Tuesday September 23rd- Swansea 3-0 Everton- Capital One Cup Third Round
Following Everton's first clash in the Europa League against Wolfsburg, they were beaten 3-2 at home by Crystal Palace in the league and then fell to a 3-0 defeat away at Swansea in the League Cup.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Although beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford, I would say this is not a result affected by the Europa League as Everton would not be expected to pick up a result from this fixture usually.
Diagnosis: Healthy
Game 2 after: Tuesday September 23rd- Swansea 3-0 Everton- Capital One Cup Third Round
Following Everton's first clash in the Europa League against Wolfsburg, they were beaten 3-2 at home by Crystal Palace in the league and then fell to a 3-0 defeat away at Swansea in the League Cup.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Thursday October 2nd- Krasnodar 1-1 Everton
Game 1 after: Sunday October 5th- Man Utd 2-1 Everton- Premier LeagueAlthough beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford, I would say this is not a result affected by the Europa League as Everton would not be expected to pick up a result from this fixture usually.
Diagnosis: Healthy
Thursday October 23rd- Lille 0-0 Everton
Game 1 after: Sunday October 26th- Burnley 1-3 Everton-Premier League
A routine Everton win as they easily dispatch Burnley at Turf Moor. However still yet to win in Europe and then again at the weekend.
Diagnosis: Healthy
Diagnosis: Healthy
Thursday November 6th- Everton 3-0 Lille
Game 1 after: Sunday November 9th- Everton 1-1 Sunderland-Premier League
A poor result in the League follows the next Europa League clash as it would seem a tired squad is unable to beat a poor Sunderland side at home. A draw in the League perhaps the price to pay for a good Europe performance.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Game 2 after: Wednesday December 3rd- Everton 1-1 Hull- Premier League
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Thursday November 27th- Wolfsburg 0-2 Everton
Game 1 after: Sunday November 30th- Tottenham 2-1 Everton-Premier LeagueGame 2 after: Wednesday December 3rd- Everton 1-1 Hull- Premier League
A tough result to decipher as Tottenham is always a tough place to travel. However to be challenging like last year, Everton need to be taking points from these games. Then a draw at home against a disappointing Hull side shows that fatigue had to be playing a part.Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Thursday December 11th- Everton 0-1 Krasnodar
Game 1 after: Monday December 15th- Everton 3-1 QPR-Premier LeagueA good win at home against QPR would be pleasing for Everton on the face of it. However QPR have been dreadful on their travels and the Europa League game before hand was a disappointing defeat to Krasnodar.
Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
Overall Diagnosis: Sick as a Parrot
So as they have been unable to win a Europa League game and the following Premier League game, I have to say that in my opinion, Everton are suffering from Europa League Syndrome. It has meant that the Champions League challenge of last year is a distant memory and now Everton are doomed to fight for mid table mediocrity. Perhaps what is happening to Martinez's men will serve as a warning to teams that if they are unable to bag 4th place then they need to be prepared for a long gruelling competition in the Europa League. But hey, if you go all the way, then top four or not, you're in the Champions League next time.
James
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