Danny Murphy slams Everton players after defeat to Sheffield United

Danny Murphy did not hold back in his criticism of the Everton players when analysing Sunday’s defeat to Sheffield United.

He highlighted a lack of intensity and passion to the Toffees’ play, explaining that the match was made all too easy for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

Everton missed their fair share of chances but Murphy was disgusted with the all-round display, and hinted Ancelotti could be under pressure if not for the decent away form.

He told BBC’s Match of the Day, “At times Sheffield United played around them with ease, there wasn’t any tenacity or tempo to their pressing.

“They weren’t up against a decent side, let’s be honest Sheffield United have struggled this season but they made them look really good.

“There were too many of them who didn’t seem to be playing with enough passion. They’re playing for Europe, Everton had something to play for today and you didn’t see it in their performance.

“Thank god for their away form, other than that I think Carlo Ancelotti would be under pressure.”

Unacceptable

Losing to a side that has been bottom of the league all season is hard to take and really sums up just how much we need to improve.

Sunday was our ninth loss at home this season – that is an incredible return for a side supposedly challenging for Europe.

Everton

And we cannot say we are surprised.

After the Newcastle defeat at home in January Goodison News called for Ancelotti to vary his tactics to give us more of a creative spark, especially at home.

Things have not changed though, and when the onus is on us to attack and create something against a deep defence, we simply crumble.

No other team chasing the top six demonstrates such inadequacy going forward, and that is something Ancelotti and Marcel Brands must address in the summer.

In other Everton news, ‘Lowest of the low’ – BBC pundit slams senior Everton man after loss v Sheff Utd.

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