Everton's return to action after a lengthy break for internationals and domestic cup football has been a rude awakening. The Toffees have stumbled in their slow-burning pursuit of European qualification, with three consecutive setbacks leaving fans wondering if the season's bright start is starting to fade.
It began with a late, snatched draw against Brentford—a result that felt more like a loss given how it unfolded. Then came the historic first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where a costly giveaway and poor set-piece defending handed Liverpool the spoils. Most galling of all? Last weekend's defeat to struggling West Ham United, decided by yet another stoppage-time goal. The pattern is troubling: all four goals conceded across those two matches were soft, the kind of defensive lapses that haunt teams chasing glory.
To make matters worse, star defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been ruled out for the season with yet another hamstring injury—a devastating blow for a side that relies on his composure at the back. The result? Everton have treaded water while rivals have pushed ahead, leaving the Blues stuck in 11th place. And now comes the toughest test of the season: a Monday night showdown with title-chasing Manchester City. Gulp indeed.
City, meanwhile, have rediscovered their familiar rhythm after an uncharacteristic slump last season. Pep Guardiola's juggernaut stumbled without key midfielder Rodri, finishing third despite splashing nearly €220 million in January. But this summer was different. The champions spent big on Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford, signaling a clear intent to reclaim their throne. A squad refresh funded by selling fringe players has restored the swagger that made City serial winners.
For Everton, the challenge is monumental. Can David Moyes' men halt the Guardiola machine? History suggests it's a tall order—the Toffees' recent record against City is pretty abject. But if there's one thing the Premier League teaches us, it's that momentum can shift in a single moment. Everton will need to rediscover their defensive steel and summon every ounce of fight to stand tall against the champions' relentless attack. Monday night at Goodison Park could define their season.