Monday 7 December 2015 06:58, UK
Tim Howard has long been viewed an automatic selection during his 10-season stay on Merseyside, but might those days be nearing an end? Matt Cheetham looks at the numbers...
A disappointing 11th-place finish saw Everton struggle in most departments last season, though it was Tim Howard's form that hurt the Toffees more than most. Of the 29 goalkeepers to make six or more starts in the Premier League, his save percentage ranked last of all. Not something expected of one of the stars of the previous summer's World Cup.
Furthermore, Howard's save percentage inside the box dipped as low as 50.65 per cent; again, the lowest in his position and a ratio that meant, alarmingly, opponents were scoring from one in two shots on target inside the Toffees' area.
As well as struggling to repel opposing strikers, Howard also became uncharacteristically error-prone. His four mistakes leading directly to a goal was a tally only surpassed by two other goalkeepers and cost his side valuable points on each occasion. In the nine seasons Opta have charted this category, the American has never made more.
Fast forward to Martinez's third season in charge, and while Everton have found better overall consistency, Howard's form remains a concern. His save percentage has been resurrected from the depths of last season but other aspects of his game, primarily how he deals with crosses, have regularly let him down.
As the statistics show, only one other Premier League goalkeeper has been more unreliable when it comes to claiming crosses. Howard has either been caught coming for the ball and erring in the process, or stuck on his line when he needed to make a clearance.
As the following stats highlight, it seems opponents have been quick to notice his indecision.
Teams have been eager to fire in crosses against Everton this season and, by combination of Howard's hesitancy and poor defending, the Toffees have been unable to prevent a growing number of headed shots.
Defenders must also share a portion of responsibility. More crosses need blocking and while there aren't stats to expose recurrent poor marking, this is something that can clearly be improved upon. That considered, the majority of headed goals conceded have come from such close range that it's impossible to absolve the goalkeeper.
A recent run of games saw Everton concede five of nine goals not just from headers, but from headers inside the six-yard box, instances where Howard would be expected to leave his line and clear the danger.
Bournemouth were clearly aware of this in their recent 3-3 draw with Everton, as no Premier League side sent in more crosses from open play (23) last weekend. Indeed, Howard was fortunate to get away with flapping at one cross only for centre-back John Stones to clear off the line.
Joel Robles' man-of-the-match display in Everton's Capital One Cup win over Norwich and recent clean sheet against Middlesbrough, along with three clean sheets in his past three Premier League appearances, have added to the current pressures facing Howard.
Just under two years ago, Joel's inclusion in Martinez's first cup quarter-final at Everton was arguably the Catalan's gravest mistake during a promising first season in charge. In contrast, selecting Howard's understudy in his second quarter-final this week was a move barely questioned among fans.
Everton have found impressive attacking form over the past few weeks and cannot afford to let defensive frailties limit their season's potential. Should Howard's inconsistencies remain, Martinez will be forced to seriously consider making a permanent switch in goal.
Everton v Crystal Palace is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm on Monday Night Football
