Michael Ball shares major Everton concern after recent performances
Michael Ball has suggested that Everton need to be more “ruthless” and “force the issue” as they look toothless in attack at times.
In the previous game at Craven Cottage against Fulham, the Toffees managed a 0-0 draw. While they were defensively very solid, Frank Lampard’s side hardly created enough going forward.
Ball, who has also worked for BBC, feels that the players do not seem to be asking questions of the opposition enough, and form away from home remains a concern.
“Of course we can see the improvements defensively and the fact Everton look a lot more solid, but going forward, especially away from home, remains a concern,” wrote Ball for the Liverpool Echo.
“We know we aren’t in the position we want to be. And we know we can’t turn things around overnight.
“Some players rely on confidence as a way to go out and express themselves, while others thrive on fear. I think we have got to have a bit of both moving forward.
“That fear of if we don’t start picking up points, where might it leave us. I want us to start being more ruthless. Let’s get at the enemy and make it really hard for them and force the issue. Making sure we win all our battles along the way.”
Spot on
Ball is absolutely spot on here.
Everton have shown signs of improvement, considering where they were toward the end of the campaign.
The new signings have made a big difference. In defence, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have been outstanding, while January recruits – Nathan Patterson and Vitalli Mykolenko – have been equally brilliant.
Likewise, Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana have improved the midfield, no doubt, while the likes of James Garner and Dwight McNeil are capable of offering more.
That’s one side of the story. In terms of facts, the Toffees have managed only three wins so far, and they have suffered five losses.
The away form needs to improve, but most importantly the Toffees are lacking ruthlessness in their attack.
Everton cannot change the structure overnight, but what they can do is put pressure on the opposition so that they make mistakes.
The Toffees will face Leicester City in their next Premier League game on Saturday (5 November) at Goodison and they will be aiming to pick up maximum points from that game.