Everton could actually be on track for something not seen in over 20 years

Everton head into the international break sixth in the Premier League, and if they keep this up, they could be on course for something fans haven’t seen in over 20 years.

David Moyes’ side came from behind to beat Coventry City 3-1 last Friday, making it three wins in eight days. They’ve lost just twice in the league all season, against Chelsea and Arsenal.

That leaves the Toffees on 16 points from 10 games, level with fifth-placed Chelsea and only behind on goal difference. Merseyside rivals Liverpool are fourth, just two points ahead.

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Everton are on Champions League pace

Everton are averaging 1.6 points per game. Keep that up over a full season and they’d finish on around 61 points.

That’s exactly what Moyes’ side managed in 2004/05, when they finished fourth and earned a place in the Champions League qualifiers. To this day it remains the last time Everton finished in the top four.

Now, 61 points rarely gets you into the top four these days. But five Premier League teams now qualify for the Champions League, and last season Liverpool finished fifth on 60 points. So it’s absolutely doable.

Can Everton’s thin squad keep it up?

That’s the big question, and squad depth is a real problem.

So far, the Jack Grealish saga aside, Everton have been fortunate with injuries. Key players like Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and, most importantly, Thierno Barry, the club’s only senior striker, have mostly stayed fit.

The hope is that it continues for another six weeks or so, getting Everton to January in a strong position, when Moyes can finally add some depth. A striker and a left-back are the clear priorities, and perhaps a winger too, depending on how the Grealish situation plays out.

And the run-in to January is tough. There are away trips to Brentford, Aston Villa, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Leeds, plus difficult home games against Liverpool and Manchester City.

There’s plenty of competition for those top five spots, too. You’d expect Villa to get back in the mix, possibly Spurs as well, and Manchester United are set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino. You’d imagine they’ll get their season back on track. Bournemouth, Brentford and Leeds are all strong too.

So Everton are well and truly up against it, and fans should probably temper their expectations. But this strong start has put them in a decent position. If they can get to January in and around the top five, they’ll be in an incredible position.