Monday, September 16, 2024

‘Everton have a lot to think about’ – Williams

Must read

[BBC]

James Tarkowski looks dismayedJames Tarkowski looks dismayed

[Getty Images]

I have a soft spot for Everton because I spent so many years there, so the last few years have been really difficult to watch.

If you are 2-0 up in the 87th minute – and you have lost your opening two games without scoring – you should recognise when momentum is shifting. But there were no leaders on the pitch on Saturday. There was nobody taking any ownership to say “come on lads we can’t lose this game” after just conceding.

When I was playing, we always had players on the pitch who could identify the weaknesses to re-gain the momentum. They have senior players who didn’t take that leadership role on when it was needed the most.

To concede three goals in six or so minutes is something they will be kicking themselves about. Mistakes happen but it is about what you do to rectify it.

The international break has come at the right time from the outside looking into Everton. Some players like to just bounce into the next game, but when you lose so many games it is easy to get into a rut.

When the games are coming continually, you don’t get the time to reflect or have the hard conversations, so it gives management time to get together too. Players can also go away to a different environment, which is maybe more positive because I can imagine it being quite dull and negative at the moment at Everton.

They have to switch off from the disastrous opening three games and then come back refreshed to go again. They have to try and get the fans back on board because they are so important.

Everton don’t want to be moving out of Goodison this season to then play in the Championship, so they have a lot to think about.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport’s Katie Stafford

Latest article