Everton remain unbeaten during the 2026/2027 season, yet to lose in their opening five Premier League games.
There will be a data piece coming in, but after five Premier League games and two Carabao Cup ties, it’s a good chance to reflect on Everton’s season so far based on feelings, what we’ve seen, and just a general reflection on the campaign.
Going into the season, there was some optimism, but a lot of that was snatched away from Everton during the final day of the summer transfer window. Ending the transfer market with just one right-back, left-back, and striker undoubtedly puts us in a difficult position for the season ahead.
But since then, there’s been more positives than negatives. Heading into the international break unbeaten is something that every supporter would have snatched your hand off for during pre-season.
Is everything perfect? Of course not. The football isn’t pretty, maybe games like Ipswich and Wolves should have been more comfortable, but we’re getting results.
The feeling around Everton
The lack of expectation could be exactly what Everton need to succeed. The Toffees have been at their best in recent years when their backs are against the wall, Everton against the world, problem after problem being thrown at them.
The so-called problems are less serious nowadays, but either way, we’re getting results with a tiny squad, just one striker, and even without playing that well.
If fans aren’t expecting to get into Europe, then we could have a fairly relaxing season with hopefully a strong cup run and a reasonable finish in the Premier League. We simply don’t have the squad right now to expect Europe, and although it’s incredibly disappointing Everton have allowed the squad to get into this state, that’s the reality of it and we have to deal with it.
The feeling does feel fairly positive. It’s hard not to be when you’re unbeaten, right? If we continue getting results like we are, then we could put ourselves in a strong position heading into the January transfer window, when we simply need to reinforce the squad.
What we’ve seen
It’s not been pretty, but that’s fine. Some of the wins weren’t comfortable. In fact, the only one that was was the game against Crystal Palace on the opening day. Ipswich was reasonably comfortable in the fact that we should have been a few goals ahead, but there was a late onslaught from Gary O’Neil’s side.
Wolves was also reasonably comfortable, but we should have scored more to see the game out.
The draws have been pretty good results. Bournemouth away has been a difficult place for Everton to go, so to rescue a point was a strong result. Going away to Tottenham has also been tricky, and keeping a clean sheet and securing a draw was fine.
In reality, I don’t think there has been a poor result this season. Maybe disappointing not to have got more at Spurs, but other than that, it’s hard to say any result has been poor.
Performances haven’t been perfect, but if we’re talking strictly results-wise, it’s been a good season.
Young talent
Having a small squad was a big worry for supporters heading into the season, but what it has brought is opportunities for younger players to make an impact and show what they’re about.
Perhaps if Everton had signed another midfielder and/or not lost Tim Iroegbunam, maybe Harrison Armstrong wouldn’t have emerged as he has.
Everton might have replaced Iliman Ndiaye late on, which could have meant Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling see their opportunities limited.
Failing to sign Folarin Balogun is going to mean Thierno Barry has the chance to truly make the centre-forward position. It could be make-or-break for Barry, but at least we’ll know by the end of the season that he’s been given a fair crack of the whip.
It’s a similar situation for Dibling. After his last two performances, he should get enough chances now where we can truly see what he’s about and if he’s going to reach his full potential.
