Everton embarked on a very successful campaign during the 2002-03 season, they had decent runs in the domestic cups and put on a great show in the league. They finished off the season in seventh position, just failing to qualify for Europe. However, Everton saw the rise of their young teenage prodigy, Wayne Rooney. Rooney scored crucial goals, including a late winner in a league match against Arsenal mid way through the season. Thomas Radzinski was in fine form through out as well. The following season saw a huge decline in Everton’s league performances as they collapsed. Despite having Wayne Rooney at their disposal, Everton struggled in the league through out the season. They also crashed out of the Carling Cup in the last sixteen and the FA Cup, in the forth round. Rooney was sold to Man United at the beginning of the 2004-05 season, and Everton’s league form improved tremendously. A run of seven successive victories in November set their stool out in the premiership. They managed to strengthen their team also, buying James Beattie and Arteta. Everton finished the season off strongly and clinched a birth in the champion’s league, finishing forth in the premiership.
The 2005-06 season started off terribly for the Blues. They lost a staggering seven of their first eight league matches and already looked favourites now for relegation. Worse was to come as they crashed out in the qualifying round of the champion’s league, losing both at home and away to Villarial. If that was not enough, they lost against Dinamo Bucherast in the first round of the UEFA Cup, a team everybody expected Everton to beat. However despite the disastrous start, Everton gradually improved after a draw against the champions Chelsea. Everton took heart from that result and went on to win four of their five next matches. However they collapsed again during the Christmas period, including heavy defeats against Bolton and Aston Villa. Everton peaked in January as the claimed 19 out of a possible 21 points which significantly boosted their premiership position at the finale as they finished in 11th place.