Team Overview: Everton almost cracked the “Big Four” this year, but they just missed. While they have been one of English soccer’s greatest teams since 1902 – a record streak in the top flight - they haven’t won a league title in a very long time. Sure, they have won the 4th most trophies, but the FA Cup Final in ’09 resulted in a tough loss.
Top Performers: Just like with Aston Villa (and Mr. Brad Friedel), you know that I (as a Yank) am in love with the Toffees and Mr. Timothy Howard. Tim was the best American in the Prem in 2009 – hands down – ceding only 0.97 goals per game. Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini each scored 8 goals too, so they were the offense’s best players.
Highest Highs: Everton’s highest high came during their remarkable FA Cup run. During the important tourney, they beat the Reds, the Villans, and Middlesbrough. Of course, their most impressive win came against Man U in the FA Cup Semifinal. During that game, they proved that they could beat the EPL’s best, and Howard became a star.
Lowest Lows: Well, it didn’t get any more heartbreaking than the Toffees’ loss to the despised Blues in the FA Cup Final. It was a tough 2-1 loss too, and it symbolized Everton’s inability to compete with the best, despite their pool of talent. Lampard‘s goal – which resulted in Chelsea’s win – had to have been the lowest low for Toffees’ fans in ’09.
Future Outlook: I love this team, and I think they can finally be the squad that cracks the “Big Four”. Howard will be with the team through 2014, and I think he is one of the best keepers in not just the EPL, but the entire world. If Cahill gets the deal he wants, and Everton can sign a flashy, big-name forward, they could just become elite.
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