3 reasons why Everton will clinch a European place this season

Defensively improving

One of the features of Everton’s first half of the season was their defensive deficiencies, with it too frequent that teams could easily break them down or find time and space in the Toffees’ penalty area.

However, excluding the freak 6-3 win against Bournemouth, Koeman’s men have been much-improved at the back in recent weeks, keeping four clean sheets in seven games, and generally just becoming more solid and difficult to beat.

Koeman tweaked the system slightly last month to incorporate a back three, which has seen Seamus Coleman flourish as a wing-back, and youngster Mason Holgate become a regular first teamer alongside the experienced Ashley Williams.

If they can continue to defend like they have been, Bournemouth aside, and then produce the same level of attacking intensity, Everton will be very tough to beat this term, and could indeed go on a run to get themselves into the European places come May.