Phil Jagielka and Everton are just getting lucky so far this season (Picture: Getty)

A lot of glee has been emanating from Goodison Park as Evertonians discuss Roberto Martinez firing Everton above Manchester United and David Moyes.

Although Moyes’ departure was on good terms, a single transfer window saw most of the goodwill evaporate and now even the most loyal of Moyes fans are enjoying United’s difficulties. The assumption, of course, is that Roberto Martinez has Everton doing even better than last year, but that is far from the truth.

Instead Everton only have two more points than last year after nine matches. In 2012/13 the squad had four wins, four draws and one defeat for 16 points, while this year has yielded 18 points off five wins, three draws and, again, just one loss. Better yes – but nothing to write home about.

The real reason for the difference in points this season has more to do with luck than anything

On the offensive front, goals are actually down for Everton – from 17 to 14. The defence is slightly improved, conceding 10 goals to last year’s 11, but that leads to a goal difference of four this year as opposed to six.




The real reason for the difference in points this season has more to do with luck than anything. Last year Everton had a stretch of draws where the tying goal seemed to come late in the game for the opposing side.

A few high-profile mistakes from Tim Howard and Seamus Coleman saw Everton drop six points early on last year. This year the defence has done better by keeping four clean sheets as opposed to only two in the first quarter of last season. While two of these clean sheets came in draws, the old adage of never losing when you never concede rings true.

This could indicate an improved defense, but in four of the other five matches, the Toffees conceded two or more goals – not exactly the best evidence. Rather, it seems like Everton are just continuing with the same defence, but the distribution of goals is a little more bunched up.

That said, all that matters is points. If Everton continue with a two-points-per-game average they will get 76 points this season. For those interested, that would have been enough to finish third last year and, with so many of the big teams dropping points early, it could be enough for an even better result this time around.

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