Everton are currently sitting pretty in 2^nd place in the Premier League table after this weekend’s 3-1 defeat of Southampton at Goodison Park.

Last time the Toffees made such a good start they qualified for the Champions League qualifying round, after finishing fourth in the top flight.

Quality

Everton are starting to look like a real quality team. This team isn’t like teams that David Moyes has had at Goodison in the past. Moyes best teams were always described as hard-working and physical.

However, it would be unfair to dismiss the current Everton as just hard-working or physical, because Everton are currently playing some of the best football in the league. In the likes of Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas they have some really good footballers.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rather cheekily suggested that Everton just fired the ball up to Marouane Fellaini in the opening game of the season. The veteran Scot obviously missed a lot of the game, because Everton are no long ball team and even played some good football against United.

History

A lot of older Everton fans are rather getting ahead of themselves saying that this Everton reminds them of the title winning sides of the 1980’s. I can’t comment on those sides as I wasn’t old enough to remember those great teams.

However, the Toffees are currently playing some of the best football I have seen an Everton team produce in my time as a supporter. Whether the team can keep that up for the rest of the season remains to be seen.

Challenge

Finishing in the top four of the Premier League really isn’t out of Everton’s reach this season if they can stay clear of injuries and suspensions to top players. It is a big challenge though with the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle also hoping to gain a spot in the top four.

That’s not even mentioning the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who can’t afford to miss out on Champions League football next season. Everton have started the season in fine style and long may it continue.

Can Everton finish in the top four of the Premier League this season?