Everton: Michael Ball makes honest admission about atmosphere at Goodison Park
Michael Ball believes the “very subdued” atmosphere around Goodison Park is not helping the Everton squad in their battle for survival.
The Toffees are five games without a win on home soil in the Premier League, dating back to a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on 10 December.
Home results could determine whether or not Everton stay up this season as they have a crucial run of games coming up on Merseyside.
Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo [25 March], former Everton player Ball said: “Sean Dyche and the players seem to struggle in getting the results that we need and the fans expect.
“I’ve got high expectations of what I demand from players but – home or away – what they don’t need right now is the moans and groans. I’ve done that myself in frustration but at the end of the day, you don’t see a player react and get better from that situation.
“Goodison is my home, I love it, it’s where I built my dreams but it’s been very subdued lately.”
Ball added: “There’s a feeling of ‘what if?’ around Goodison right now and it’s ‘oh no’ when something goes wrong, like a switch has been flicked. We know if we go a goal behind, we’re not going to win, the team don’t seem to have the mindset to turn the game around.
“It might be a situation of the heart ruling the head but we need to keep the faith and give Everton’s players the love and hopefully they will find a solution.”
Everton’s remaining fixtures at Goodison Park
This is very much a vicious cycle of sorts, as the players want the fans to get behind them, but the fans want the players to start stepping up.
The 3-1 loss to West Ham last time out at Goodison Park was a big disappointment, making it just three points from the past 15 on offer there.
Looking ahead, Everton welcome Burnley next up on home soil before then facing Nottingham Forest – the latter being a truly massive game.
Brentford and Sheffield United are also still to visit Goodison, as are Liverpool, so there is a real chance to get some key points on the board.
Before all that, the trip to Bournemouth next weekend after a three-week break can act as a reset of sorts.
Supporters know how badly they will be needed in this final stretch, and a victory on the South Coast will change the complexion entirely.
With just one season of football at Goodison Park to come, let’s hope the good times return there sooner rather than later.
In other Everton news, a Barcelona player has emerged as a reported target for the Toffees.
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