Holgate encourages Everton consistency following win v Arsenal
Everton defender Mason Holgate has demanded that the club maintain consistency after securing a “massive” win over Arsenal.
The Toffees had seen their hopes of qualifying for Europe drastically dissipate following five games without a win in the Premier League over the past month, however a win over Arsenal has them back on track.
Bernd Leno’s own goal separated the two side at the Emirates in what was an unfortunate moment for the German goalkeeper, with both sides equally matched on the pitch.
Now after securing that win over the Gunners, Holgate has reiterated the importance of consistency as Everton head into their final seven games of the season.
Talking to evertonfc.com, Holgate said: “The last few weeks we’ve been hit and miss with the performances and not had the results, and sometimes we’ve not performed so to see it all come together, dig deep as a team and get the result is massive.
“They are one of the teams who want the same thing as we do so to beat them, take three points away from home is massive and goes towards our goal – but we’ve got to pick these up consistently.
“The consistency has got to be there now. We’ve turned up in big games all season but it’s the games where they might not feel so big where we’ve not gone on to take the three points and there’s no one else to blame but us. We’ve got to work on that side of our game and see the season off properly.”
Consistency is key
Everton’s inconsistency in the Premier League couldn’t have been better underscored than in the past month, where the club have flipped between poor and impressive performances.
Dreadful defensive displays against Burnley and Brighton have alternated between more enjoyable attacking performances against Crystal Palace and Tottenham, and now the Blues need to find a degree of consistency as they push for Europe.
Holgate is someone who could do with taking his own advice onboard also. The centre-back has had a mixed season, despite being described as “absolutely superb” by Liverpool Echo journalist Sam Carroll in December, rotating between strong and underwhelming defensive displays.
The former Barnsley man did turn up well against Arsenal, and Ancelotti will rely on him to continue performing as Everton face a number of tough opponents before the end of the season.
Everton still face away fixtures against West Ham and Manchester City, while unpredictable customers Aston Villa have to play the Blues twice before the end of the season.
There is no margin for error, with Everton’s consistency determining whether or not they’ll enjoy European football next season.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti ready to give greenlight to mega-money swap deal.
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