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Post by rugbytoffee on Aug 27, 2022 8:42:32 GMT
We need to score first to gain a positive result
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 27, 2022 9:39:39 GMT
In a Q&A to preview Everton's trip to Brentford on Saturday, Mason Holgate explains why he is confident the Blues can leave the capital with maximum points, reveals what new centre-back pair Conor Coady and James Tarkwoski have brought to the Club, and opens up on why he is savouring learning from manager Frank Lampard...
Mason, what do you believe Everton will need to do to overcome Brentford on Saturday and get a first Premier League win on the board this season?
Results-wise, it’s been disappointing so far, but I believe there are a lot of positives to take from our first three games.
If we cut out the mistakes and start taking a few more of our chances, we’ll be fine. We’ve been creating opportunities and we’ve got players who can take them. I see that every day in training.
I think we’re going in the right direction and I’m sure results will start to follow that.
What type of challenge will Brentford pose?
We’ve played against them few times over the past year and they’re a good team with a good manager. We’ve seen what they can do since they came up and they had an excellent first season in the Premier League
Ultimately, it’s down to us, though. If we can perform to the level we’re capable of, I believe we can win the game.
The Club has strengthened in central defence this summer with the signings of James Tarkowski and Conor Coady. What have they brought to the group?
Conor and Tarky have been great additions. They’ve got a lot of experience and they’re good players. That’s exactly what we needed.
That’s what you want from signings, to come in and improve the squad and the team. Their performances have been good and they’ve fitted in very well.
We have quite a young squad, mixed with experience, and I believe we’ll only improve as time goes on.
The manager has played with three centre-backs predominately this season but has also shown his willingness to switch systems when necessary. You're known for being very versatile – how beneficial is that?
It’s something I’ve always done, ever since I’ve been playing professional football. I’ve always played different positions and different formations. I’m used to that.
It’s not going to knock me off my stride. I don’t mind whether I play in a back three or a four. If I’m playing, I’m happy.
Last season was so tough for everyone connected with Everton. Are you confident the squad is well placed to build on that and make significant improvements this season?
Definitely. Coming out the other end last season can only make us stronger. We know what means it be in the Premier League. We know we have to go and put the points in the table.
We don’t want to be in that position again and, I’m sure, with the additions we’ve made and the way we’re moving forward and learning the manager’s plans, we’ll be fine.
How have you found working with the manager since his appointment in January?
He’s brought a lot to the Club. The manager and the staff have so much experience.
They’ve been there and done it over the years. They know what they’re talking about and they’re also really nice people and they are approachable.
As time goes on, we’re taking on more of the manager’s ideas and I believe we’ll improve as a team and individuals.
Everton FC
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Post by jimmy on Aug 27, 2022 11:12:56 GMT
We need to score first to gain a positive result I think they'll beat us today.
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 27, 2022 13:18:20 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Aug 27, 2022 13:18:52 GMT
Amadou Onana will make his first Premier League start for Everton in Saturday’s clash at Brentford.
The Belgian is one of two changes Frank Lampard has made from the Blues’ previous top-flight game – last weekend’s 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest – with Dwight McNeil also coming into the starting line-up. Tom Davies and Salomon Rondon drop to the substitutes’ bench.
Jordan Pickford starts in goal and captains Everton, with the Blues set to play three central defenders in Mason Holgate, James Tarkowski and Conor Coady.
Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko are Everton’s wing-backs, with the in-form Alex Iwobi alongside Onana in central midfield.
Dwight McNeil, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray start as a three-pronged Everton attack.
Everton starting XI: Pickford, Holgate, Coady, Tarkowski, Patterson, Mykolenko, Onana, Iwobi, Gray, McNeil, Gordon.
Substitutes: Begovic, Keane, Allan, Coleman, Davies, Vinagre, Rondon, Mills, Warrington.
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