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Post by jimmy on Jan 23, 2024 9:46:28 GMT
They look to have a fighting spirit but ultimately even our limited skill should be to much if we on our game We're defending well but our goals are drying up again.
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Post by Everton News. on Jan 25, 2024 11:40:53 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Jan 27, 2024 10:12:29 GMT
Dyche Programme Notes
While it has been only 10 days since our previous game, we are back in action today following a short break, which has been important for us after the hectic schedule over Christmas and new year.
We constantly demand a lot from the players to perform at high levels, their maximum levels in order to give us the best possible chance of winning games. They have given us that and after a few days to recharge – physically and mentally – we have prepared for today’s FA Cup tie with the same vigour as we approach every match.
There is a lot made of cup competitions in modern football and, regardless of opinion, it is different from the Premier League. At least until you get to the very latter stages, across the board the energy is different in the stands and on the pitch. With that said, I have always had a huge amount of respect for the FA Cup and I am acutely aware of our excellent history in the competition and the responsibility that falls on us because of that. It is something we are taking seriously – on merit and also as a way of continuing to build positive momentum.
I thought we weren’t at our best last time out here against Crystal Palace, certainly when you consider we have played a lot better this season and not got our just rewards. Andre Gomes’ fine free-kick was worthy of winning any game, of course, and there were some good individual performances, but we weren’t at our cohesive best and we didn’t find the killer moments often enough. The flip side to that is we found a way to win and picking up victories when you’re not quite on-song is always a positive. We’re on a run of three games unbeaten now, with three clean sheets – and that gives us something to build on.
I think the mentality of the group has improved a lot during the year we’ve had together. If you can’t find a way to win a game, then don’t lose it. We saw another example of that against a very good Aston Villa outfit in our last league game at Goodison.
After a strong performance in the first game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Joao Virginia once again grasped his chance in the replay. I think he’s moved on a long way this season, even though you haven’t seen him. He is a top professional, he works hard and he’s really absorbed the way we work and what we want on the training ground and by watching on from the sidelines. That has paid him back.
I was also pleased for Andre, who has had a really up and down time with injuries. I said to him when he came back for pre-season, when he was unsure of his future, that I saw him as part of what we want to do. He’s since had injury and fitness issues, and he will get fitter and sharper, but you can see he’s a very gifted technical player. I don’t think he’s a true No.10 but he’s slotted in well there when asked with his quality on the ball.
Then the two centre-backs – Jarrad and Tarky – continued to be solid for us and Dom, while he didn’t get his goal, looked good and stronger with his body language and all-round performance.
Today we welcome Rob Edwards, his players, staff and everyone connected to Luton Town.
We know from our league meeting here the threats they can pose and they have shown on a regular basis so far this season they will push to win right until the final whistle.
We have to be prepared for the intensity they will bring and, make no mistake, we will be raring to go as we look to progress further in this competition.
I’d like to end these notes by saying thank you for your outstanding and ongoing support. In what was another tough moment, straight after the Premier League again referred the Club to a Premier League commission for a breach of Profit and Sustainability regulations, you turned up in numbers and sold out Goodison for an FA Cup third round replay, midweek on a freezing cold night. It never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
We’ve seen countless examples of how strong we can be when we stick together and unite as Evertonians – players, staff and supporters – and we must continue that way as we approach the rest of the season.
Enjoy the game.
Sean
Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Jan 27, 2024 10:16:09 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Jan 27, 2024 13:59:59 GMT
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