Everton vs Chelsea: Three Thoughts

Steven Naismith: The Super-substitute?

Let's be honest, we had to start here. Steven Naismith time and time again, proves his worth just when we start questioning if he should still be at the club. The question is, should Naismith start or be a super sub? In all honesty, that is a question that doesn't need to be answered. Naismith is what the club needs him to be. He can be a super sub, he can start, he can play multiple positions (may be not to everyone's liking, but he can be serviceable). To take a cheesy Batman line, he is not the player Everton wants him to be, he is the player Everton needs him to be.

The Defense Looks Rock Solid

The focus has been on John Stones, but all of the back four have played extremely well. Brendan Galloway looks more like a 10 year veteran, and less like a teenager every match. Even Ramiro Funes Mori looked comfortable (for the little time he was one) following a Seamus Coleman injury, despite it being his first appearance. This is in stark contrast to last year's shambolic display throughout the season. Depth is still a concern, but if they can stay healthy, this will be a very formidable club to score on.

What is next for Everton?

At certain times this season, we have looked dominant, but we have also looked toothless in other matches (Tottenham Hotspur comes to mind). Which is the real Everton? That's tough to say, Roberto Martinez has really impressed recently with his willingness to change his gameplan and bring on less popular substitutes (Naismith) that have turned out to be correct decisions. The lack of attack against quality defensive sides is still a very big concern. If Martinez can not figure out how to score against teams that will sit back, the victories against top clubs, then we can kiss trophies or challenging for a European spot goodbye. We will have to wait and see how we play against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion the next two weeks to get a real understanding of how Everton might do this season.