Everton have had a mixed start to their Premier League campaign with three draws and one win. Although they are currently one of five clubs and the only club outside top four to remain unbeaten so far this season, here are three things Marco Silva’s side need to improve on once club football gets back underway.
#1 Address their weaknesses during set-pieces
Four of Everton’s six conceded goals this season have come from set-pieces, which suggests some teething issues as the players are yet to fully acquaint themselves to Silva’s gameplan.
Silva’s insistence on zonal marking, in particular, is something that the players struggled to get to grips with, as they showed lack of coordination in the early parts of the season.
The Portuguese manager has been reluctant on letting go of his preferred zonal marking defensive system, meaning now it’s up to the players to adapt.
Star keeper Jordan Pickford has already iterated the fact that players will work hard in training to better acquaint themselves to Silva’s training methods. And it remains to be seen if the Toffees can indeed improve.
#2 Losing focus after taking the lead
While conceding goals from set-pieces is indeed a big issue, another notable weak point of Everton has been their tendency to lose their lead at vital moments of the game.
In the opening fixture against Wolves, the Toffees were leading 2-1 before they conceded an 80th-minute goal to settle for a draw. Similarly, they were in cruise control against Bournemouth, leading 2-0 with just 25 minutes remaining on the clock. But, two goals from Bournemouth in quick succession saw Silva’s side miss out on another win.
They were also on the verge of repeating the same feat against Southampton when they were leading 2-0 at halftime. Fortunately for the Toffees, the Saints could only muster one goal as Everton somehow managed to defend their slender one-goal advantage to register their only win of this new campaign.
Thus, Marco Silva will hope his side can remain a bit more solid defensively after initially grabbing a lead or be more ruthless to provide some more breathing space.
#3 Better end-product from strikers
Everton have been undoubtedly boosted by the addition of Richarlison this summer. The Brazilian has already netted three goals in three matches. Richarlison’s arrival and Theo Walcott’s consistent performances have made up for the lack of end-product from their strikers.
Indeed, Everton’s primary number nine — Cenk Tosun — is yet to get off the mark this campaign despite having featured in four matches.
That being said, the Turkish international admitted that he is feeling much more confident under Marco Silva, which has reflected in his impressive work-rate in the first few matches this season.
But, he needs to start scoring if Everton are to aspire for a Champions League place come May.