HAS EVERTON CHANGED IN STYLE OF FOOTBALL?

With the premier league increasingly having new teams to challenge for honours this term after changes in the transfer window that has seen coaches, players jump ship and result to come their way,Bayo Salau looks at how the style of football has changed at Goodison Park with change of manager.

Under David Moyes, Everton's style of play was simple but effective. Prioritising good organisation,hard work and aggression over trends and tactical modifications, his Toffees and their uncomplicated brand of fast-paced football consistently delivered results.

The appointment of Roberto Martinez signaled a change in direction, innovative and full of modern ideas, the 40-year-old Spaniard was charged with the task of adding scientific-based  style to their existing substance.
With a defeat yet to be recorded agaisnt teams thus far in the Barclays Premier League,it is apparent the transition is taking shape. .

One big thing noticed in their football is a passing for passing possession football. One that has overtaken their direct approach to games in past years but also seen them looking for a first win this campaign. I am sure more must have been told to the players concerning ball retention in the cause of the closed season.
The passing accuracy for the 2012/13 season of 79.4% has increased this term to 85.9% .A feat that has since seen them moved from 11th rank playing side to 3rd. With the ball at their feet more often, the strain on Everton's defence should be eased and, although it is early days, two clean sheets from three matches is testament to that.

Tactically,Martinez is adept at creating 3 v 2 and 2 v 1 overloads all over the pitch, with the aim of switching to space out wide,where he like his players to wreck havoc.A move that encourages Stephen Pienaar and Kelvin Mirallas to play narrow and come in to the flanks to cause damage to opposing teams,while at the same time urging both full backs to pile forward . This move in addition will cause rival wingers who must attack track back tirelessly to cover the danger.

Leighton Baines is the key man for Martinez,and the numbers prove it. Fed almost constantly by his team- mates, the left back has created more goal scoring opportunities than anyone else with his forays forward this term. His crosses alone is 24 with ten good chances created alongside thus far.

Any visit to Merseyside at this term will be seen as a fixture that won't be easy for visiting team to navigate.The reason is not far fetched as the absence of a natural holding midfielder was always a problem for Martinez men to deal with in their three games played until Gareth Barry's arrival on loan.  That they would be hoping changes after his acquisition from Manchester City.

Finally,with Everton seemingly looking a threat by evolving into a  fluid possession side, they should dominate most matches but to succeed they must not sacrifice the combative side of their game that worked so well under their former manager Moyes. Balancing style with their customary aggressionis the key for them this season