Joe Thomas has told Sean Dyche and Everton they must improve their home form if they want to avoid relegation this season, with the fight now on after the points deduction.
The Liverpool Echo journalist insisted that while stats may suggest they could have picked up wins against Fulham, Wolves and even Manchester United, they must start picking up points.
Thomas also claimed the narrative of defeats being unlucky or tough to call must change as Everton are now playing catch-up to those above them in the Premier League table.
Thomas was writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo [29 November] as he shared: “The biggest of the challenges are the visits of big spending Chelsea, Champions League-chasing Newcastle United and title-holders Manchester City in a month where Everton’s home form simply has to improve.
“Dyche said it was a “tough one to call” on Sunday and had merit in his belief the performance did not match the scoreline of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
“That has been a theme of this season though and it simply has to change – the stats may suggest Everton deserved to beat Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers but Bournemouth remain the only side to be defeated at Goodison Park in the league.
“Before the deduction, it appeared Everton could survive that difficult home form. Now they are playing catch-up it is a different story.”
Need Goodison to become a fortress
The fans as much as the players can play a part in the home form. The cauldron of noise that had been promised against Manchester United was quickly silenced by an Alejandro Garnacho overhead kick, but the fans will need to play their part going forward.
When the atmosphere at Goodison Park is bouncing, there are few grounds in the country that can match it. Of course, results directly rub off on those in the stands. It’s easier to stand and sing when you’re winning, but now more than ever, the players need that boost from the crowd.
Frustrations with the style of football begin to bubble after every defeat, and in a time of heightened tensions those frustrations can be let out, but backing and supporting these players and the boss will be what helps them.
The fans can play their part, but it should also be on the shoulders of those players to step up for the fans. It must be a mutual agreement, with both sides stepping up, and if they can achieve this it will greatly improve the chances of survival for Everton.
