Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams blast Everton squad after thumping v Crystal Palace
Everton have a ‘real lack of quality’ and they’re ‘not sure what they’re doing’ defensively after crashing out of the FA Cup, according to BBC Match of the Day 2 pundits Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams.
The Toffees were battered 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, after a bright start descended into chaos as the game went on.
All eyes now turn to their battle for survival but Williams and Murphy were shocked by the defensive display of Frank Lampard’s side and had plenty to say on their current situation.
“For me defensively they’re so reactive at the minute and not proactive,” Williams said.
“At the minute defensively, especially away, Everton just look a little bit lacking on confidence and not sure what they’re doing.”
“I don’t think it’s for a lack of caring, they care and they want to keep clean sheets they’ve just got to do it. What they’ve got to do as a team is get back to basics. Keep a clean sheet and let them go and win.
“Right now it’s not about building a philosophy right now for Everton. They need points on the board and then they can do that in the summer.”
Murphy was quick to add to that, calling the players out for a lack of accountability.
“I think it’s a real lack of quality. The middle of midfield you need players, yes with courage to get on the ball, but quality as well and they’re lacking in that.
“The biggest thing is lack of communication and leadership. Who’s demanding from each other? Who’s digging each other out? Who’s dragging each other in? Who’s organising? They’re all over the place.”
Sort it out
Lampard is quickly running out of excuses with and credit with Everton fans, because the form and performances of this side are so flip-floppy.
The Blues just came off a huge win against Newcastle in the 99th minute with a clean sheet and a threatening performance, even with ten men towards the end.
But away from home again they looked like a completely different team with little instruction or structure, and the manager has so far blamed everyone but himself for the bad performances.
But he needs to take responsibility too, because he’s picking the team and setting them up. He’s also the one constantly picking the same players, so if they’re not following instructions that’s on him too.
Everton have got 11 games left and a three point cushion above the drop zone as it stands, but it’s going to quickly disappear with performances like that.
In other Everton news, Ray Parlour wants Arsenal to sign ‘brilliant’ Everton ace this summer