By Sam Stone

3rd Jan, 2023 | 8:33pm

Paul Robinson shares 'worrying' Everton claim after first-half moment v Brighton

Paul Robinson believes it’s “worrying” how easily Everton were carved open by Brighton during the first half of their Premier League clash at Goodison Park.

Kaoru Mitoma’s first-half strike gave the Seagulls a deserved lead and leave Frank Lampard’s side with it all to do in the second period.

Robinson was less than impressed with a particular passage of play where Brighton managed a shot at Everton’s goal after just a two-pass move.

“Two passes and Brighton are on having a shout on goal,” said Robinson (BBC Radio 5 Live, 20:19, 3 January).

“It is worrying for Everton how little time it is taking Brighton to get back to front.”

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Games against teams such as Brighton at Goodison Park are simply must-win for Everton at the moment. They have to use the fans to their advantage and build on their important point against Manchester City.

With Leeds and West Ham United playing each other on Wednesday (4 January) a win against the Seagulls could see Everton relieve some of the pressure which they’re currently under.

The upcoming month promises to be huge for Lampard’s side with the January window presenting an opportunity for the Toffees to really strengthen weaker points in their squad.

Attacking players are clearly on Lampard’s agenda with Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson on the Toffees’ radar (TEAMtalk, 3 January). A striker is also being targetted by Lampard, with Mediafoot suggesting (1 January) that Montpellier striker Elye Wahi is being strongly considered by the Merseyside club.

It’s absolutely vital for the Toffees to get their January business spot on, with there being a number of relegation-threatened Premier League sides looking to add to their squads.