The Turning Point

 It’s All Down to This...

David Moyes made it clear: he was building his Everton around hard-working, intelligent players, and Julien was set to play a real role. Early signs suggested the gamble paid off—Julien started the 2002/03 Premier League season with a flourish.

Julien started the season well:

Everton vs Tottenham (2–2)

Julien assists the equaliser in a lively debut.

Sunderland vs Everton (0–1)

Julien scores the match-winning goal away from home.

And then this has happened:

Everton vs Birmingham City (1–1)

Julien is sent off early, leaving the team one man short.

Julien missed the next two games through suspension, watching as his teammates battled with Manchester City and Southampton.

On his return:

Everton vs Middlesbrough (2–1)

As a substitute, Julien provides a vital assist in a close win.

Aston Villa vs Everton (2–3)

Julien comes on late as Everton fall just short.

After the Villa match, Julien faced the ultimate nightmare. He earns a start at Old Trafford, but an early injury forced him off. The diagnosis: months on the sidelines as Everton lose 3–0.

While Julien had recovered, Everton were reborn—David Moyes’ men went on a stunning run of form:

19 Oct: vs Arsenal (2–1, home)

27 Oct: vs West Ham (1–0, away)

3 Nov: vs Leeds United (1–0, away)

9 Nov: vs Charlton (1–0, home)

17 Nov: vs Blackburn (1–0, away)

23 Nov: vs West Brom (1–0, home)

At the beginning of December he finally returns:

1 Dec – Newcastle vs Everton (2–1): Julien plays 45 minutes but Everton lose.

7 Dec – Everton vs Chelsea (1–3): Julien starts, but the team is outplayed.

From here, Julien’s season slips into a downward spiral. His confidence shaken, form patchy, and opportunities drying up just as Everton soar towards the top.

Julien Gauthier in the automn of 2002:

In the midst of Everton’s impressive run, as Julien found his minutes dwindling, an unexpected phone call came in to Goodison Park. Preston North End’s new manager Craig Brown—remembering Julien’s impact the previous season—reached out to Moyes: “David, I see Julien’s not playing as much these days… We’d be happy to have him back at Preston, even just for the spring. He grew a lot with us, and I truly believe he could be a key man again.”

Moyes didn’t give a straight answer. For now.

Let's see how the 2nd half of season 2002/03 goes next time!