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Post by Everton News. on Oct 13, 2022 9:57:28 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Oct 13, 2022 9:57:40 GMT
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Post by Everton News. on Oct 13, 2022 10:04:58 GMT
Lampard on key focus
Frank Lampard has underlined the importance of Everton improving their quality and composure in possession as the Blues strive to embark on another positive series of results.
The Blues return to Premier League action at Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, aiming to deliver an immediate response after their seven-match unbeaten run was ended by Manchester United on Sunday.
Lampard explained how continuing to work hard on his team’s urgency and decision-making on the ball will be a key focus in the lead up to the Spurs clash.
“I won’t be soft about that, because we weren’t as good as we could be in the first half against United,” he told evertontv.
“We took too many touches and got ourselves in positions where we should have moved the ball quicker out of tight areas.
“Those are things we speak about a lot, and we train on a lot. We have got improvement to do there.
“If we had won this game, I wouldn’t be saying, ‘We’re where we want to be on the ball’. We can get a lot better and that is a work in progress.
“Within us, you can see the improvement, but I know there’s a lot more to be had. I can’t question the attitude of the boys, but sometimes a game can give you a little bit of a check, and I think that’s where we’re at.”
I can’t question the attitude of the boys, but sometimes a game can give you a little bit of a check.
Everton’s togetherness and resilience was on show against United as they mounted sustained pressure in search of a leveller.
The Blues won a flurry of late corners, while substitute James Garner forced a superb fingertip save from David de Gea.
Lampard added: “I liked the spirit and the push at the end and how subs came on and affected the game.
“I’m not interested in being a team [which does not fight until the end]. We have to have a bit more about us.
“Also, I want to go steps beyond that. It’s not bad for us to be self-critical to a degree, and that’s behind closed doors.
“This a tough league and if there are things that are clear that we don’t do so well, we just have to work.
“Our standards are now that we can stand more toe-to-toe more with these type of teams – last season was maybe a different approach. These things come, but it’s important how we react.”
Saturday’s clash at third-placed Tottenham is followed four days later by trip to Newcastle United, who currently occupy sixth position in the table.
Lampard says the double-header represents an opportunity for the Blues to showcase their increased resolve and determination.
“We have to go again,” he added. “These next two games will be very tough.
“The bigger picture is we can all see we’re going in the right direction, but maybe it’s time for us to get a bit of a test.
“I’ve no problem with that. This is the Premier League. The lads just need to stand up. We all do.”
Everton FC
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Post by Everton News. on Oct 13, 2022 10:06:13 GMT
Mason Holgate has hailed the impact of fellow defenders James Tarkowski and Conor Coady, while insisting he is up for the challenge of forcing his way back into manager Frank Lampard's team.
Holgate featured in all four of Everton's opening Premier League games of the season before suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw at Brentford in late August.
The 25-year-old resumed full training last week and hopes to be available for Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur - but recognises he has a sizeable task on his hands to regain a starting berth.
Summer signings Tarkowski and Coady have formed a formidable central defensive partnership in Holgate's absence, after boss Lampard opted to switch his formation to a back four.
Despite Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Goodison Park, the Blues boast the joint-best defensive record in the top-flight having conceded nine goals from their opening nine matches, and Holgate has been pleased - but not surprised - with that solidity.
Speaking on Everton Live, the Club's pre-match show ahead of every home game, he said: "I'm good. I trained yesterday, obviously it was a lighter session with it being the day before a game, so hopefully I'll get another week of training in and I should be available to in the squad next week, hopefully.
"The timing of [the injury] wasn't ideal but you could always say that whenever you get injured.
"It's part of football, you just have to get on with it and hopefully I can come back stronger and better.
"The team is doing well, it's been good watching the boys and seeing us pick up some results.
"Coads and Tarky have brought in a massive amount of experience and leadership into the team, I think it's clear to see that.
"Playing with them, I know exactly how good they are and that we're in safe hands. Hopefully I can come back in and help the team with my strengths but also support them because they're doing well.
"It's going to be tough to get back in [the team] but that's part of the challenge for me."
On Everton's defensive record, Holgate added: "It's a great statistic and it shows the work we've been doing.
"It's not just us as a defence, the whole team is working towards pressing from the front and setting traps.
"It's starting to show in the number of goals we're not conceding, which is a positive for us.
"Even at the start of the season when results weren't going our way, you look at the Chelsea game and the Forest game - and I think we were just missing a little bit of luck because the performances were there.
"Over the past few weeks, those results have been coming and it's great for us, it's great for confidence and it's great for the feeling around the place.
"If you look at the team we've got, the squad we've got... We know how far we can go.
"We want to be consistently picking up points."
Everton FC
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Post by rugbytoffee on Oct 13, 2022 16:09:52 GMT
Our midfield will have to be tighter.
Can see 3 cb's being played now Holgate and Keane are available. Gordon suspended so McNeil or Davies to come in?
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