Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard insists Blues still on the up despite frustration against Swansea CityThe USA shot-stopper remains upbeat after the goalless draw at Goodison
Tim Howard lamented Everton’s ability to find a breakthrough against Swansea City - but insisted their attacking flair remains undiminished.
The Toffees had to be content with a point at Goodison on Saturday after a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Garry Monk’s men, who defended solidly despite being reduced to 10 men.
But Howard maintains that Everton still head into their next fixtures, against Lille on Thursday and Sunderland next Sunday, with confidence high.
He said: “It was a frustrating game for both sides. We kept a clean sheet against a tough opponent and we tried, but it keeps us on our unbeaten run.
“We’re doing well and we’ve got two big games this week. We’re not too disappointed - it was a tough draw and if you’re getting a draw, you want it to be 0-0.
“We’re not a team that doesn’t score many goals. We’re always knocking on the door and creating chances - I think our record shows that. It was just one of those days, but we’re encouraged by how much ball retention we had, particularly in the final third. On most days, you win those games.
“We like to score lots of goals but we kept a clean sheet, which is a positive and a draw at home keeps us going.
“We are playing well. We are in the middle of a pretty good run. Of course we would have liked to have won but we have got two other big games this week and this keeps us ticking over, and keeps us unbeaten in a few games.”
Everton must prepare for the visit of Lille without Antolin Alcaraz, who was injured in the first half and faces a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“It’s bad luck,” said Howard, “Anto’s done brilliantly to come in and be prepared, always playing well. It’s tough on the squad, but since the manager’s been here, we’ve not been a team to look back worried on injuries.
“We just get on with it, try to get those people back healthy and encourage them, using the guys ready for the opportunity. We’re devastated for Anto but we’ll get through it.”
Without Alcaraz on Saturday, Gareth Barry dropped into defence, and Howard was impressed with the performance of his experienced team-mate.
He said: “That’s what you get with a top-quality player; the ability to play different positions. Clearly it’s not his preferred position, but the fact he can go in there and be astute enough to read the game, while being strong enough to deal with Bony and Gomis - he was superb today.
“Every bone in his body is a number six, so I was having to make sure we reeled him in and kept him in position. He reads the game well so we were happy.”
Source: Echo
