It’s been 20 long years since Paul Rideout scrambled a goal home to win the FA Cup for Everton against Manchester United, and since then the Blues haven’t won another piece of silverware. They have, though, for the past decade been in a very comfortable position, first started by David Moyes and then continued by Roberto Martinez. Indeed, Martinez has embodied the spirit of the club and has integrated himself within the club’s philosophy from day one.

This season, from eight games played, the Toffees have lost just once, against Manchester City, when the 2014 Premier League champions looked unstoppable early in the campaign. Some impressive wins have been recorded, including winning 3-0 away to Southampton and being far the superior side in dispatching Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison Park. The results leave Everton in seventh place on 13 points, just five points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

But when we go back to that word comfortable, we can say that nothing has changed under Martinez, which could be seen as a good thing. Everton are a staple of the league with at least a top-seven place assured under current form. However, fans will be expecting to wipe the ghost of Paul Rideout and a cup victory achieved at the old Wembley. In short, the club won’t win the league this season, but Martinez needs to deliver with a domestic cup victory sooner rather than later.

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Lineup Decisions

When Steven Naismith came off the bench to hit a hat trick against Chelsea, Martinez installed the player as a first choice starter, though it was slightly puzzling why Naismith wasn’t already a regular for the team. It has been refreshing to see Martinez give regular starts recently to youngsters Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning in defense, even if they are only there due to injuries. Both players are getting a wealth of experience and are backed up well by stalwart Phil Jagielka and the much sought after John Stones. This has meant, though, that new signing Ramiro Funes Mori has been left on the bench for more time than he would have wanted.

The only worrying aspect of Martinez’s lineups so far has been playing just one forward up front, recently evidenced against Liverpool. There the club were held at home to a draw, when in reality their eternal nemesis were there for the taking.

Best Performer

Romelu Lukaku just gets better and better, and even if he leaves Everton without a trophy, he will be remembered as one of the Everton greats. He is quick, decisive and scores goals. He has five goals in the league already and seven overall. Barring injury he is set to get even better, giving Everton the prolific goal-scorer they’ve lacked through the years.

Most Improved Player

Everton have a short list here, but let’s go with Ross Barkley. There hasn’t been a player that has graced the Toffees with such skill in his feet since Wayne Rooney. Every time Barkley gets the ball you can feel the excitement within the fans – he is stardust for the club, and always loves to come forward. His recent excellent displays for England have only highlighted this further. Everton will do well to hold on to him.

Managerial Progress

After Martinez’s explosive first season, it would be tempting to say by his second term the club had gone backwards. But he has been given money this season, and Everton have bought around $25 million (in transfer fees) worth of talent. The team seems hungry for victory, and there is certainly a willingness to do well in the two domestic cups, too.

For Martinez, it has been two steps forward and one step back. Overall, the club seems to be going in the right direction.

Weaknesses

The problem so far for the Toffees has been the amount of games they have drawn. In the short run, a draw can be a decent enough result, but in the long run, too many and you head for a mediocre mid table finish. Everton have drawn half of their games this season and, to add to that, have only won one game at home.

Martinez will have to find that balance of converting draws into wins. Points at home should come more naturally for the club as the season progresses.

Score: 8/10

Everton are in a decent position and are ready to break into the top six. They are doing well in the Capital One Cup, and despite just 12 goals so far, they have conceded just eight – one more than the best record in the league, so far.

All in all, this season has been a minor success for the Blues, and they will be looking to go onwards and upwards from here.