Bad starts

[billyblue80]

In fifteen out of the last twenty games we have conceded first. A shocking stat that reflects that we are mostly starting games very badly.

We have had to come back repeatedly, often we haven't been able come back because we go down by multiple goals. What is the issue?

Players not being switched on? Overly defensive set up? Poor set piece defending? Lack of intensity and pace? Benitez's coaching scrambling their heads? It's telling we look better once we forget his instruction and have a go in the second halves.

 

[tommye]

#PigmanOut

 

[teppic]

That's a shocking statistic. Everything about the club is just bloomin depressing.

 

[4737carlin]

Its grim, but at least the players dont give up and are fighting back, cant be any side that has gained more points from behind then Everton this season.

 

[billyblue80]

Its grim, but at least the players dont give up and are fighting back, cant be any side that has gained more points from behind then Everton this season.

That is a positive shows spirit. However it also means we are losing more games than we should because the starts are that bad aka the Brighton or Brentford game where we couldn't come back. Scoring first is a big thing in football.

 

[johnjoeefc]

We simply need to go into games with a greater desire to win and at the same time we need to be more focused.

 

[Dykovski200]

It’s because the players don’t believe in the tactics from the manager, they’re hesitant in all aspects of play. Without the ball we panic and when we get the ball we give it away cheaply because we panic. Crap tactics, crap set up from the so called coach.

 

[Eggs]

….it’s a dreadful statistic that reflects on the Manager.

We are set out to contain, we set out on the back foot, we set out allowing the opposition possession, we are set out to play with low tempo. When you do that the opposition build in confidence & start enjoying themselves.

After surrendering a lead, the tempo builds, we become more of an attacking force and carry greater threat.

When you continually do the same thing with the same disastrous outcome it beggars belief.

 

[Eggs]

Its grim, but at least the players dont give up and are fighting back, cant be any side that has gained more points from behind then Everton this season.

….if you concede first in 15 out of 20 games, then it’s highly likely most of our points come from going behind. Hardly something to celebrate.

Ha, ha i think it was you who suggested this manager would get us a record points haul this season & we should all buy ’cushions with his image on to cuddle’.

The complete irony here, is that after pandering to the cult & calling our approach to a Derby match as ‘small club’, Benitez sets us up to play that way in every game, regardless of opposition.

 

[Blueclouds]

Clubs are going for it right away now.

 

[Marius57]

Its grim, but at least the players dont give up and are fighting back, cant be any side that has gained more points from behind then Everton this season.

West ham have.

 

[sageyefc]

Because we set out to concede possession and invite the opposition onto us from the off

 

[roy vernon]

Its grim, but at least the players dont give up and are fighting back, cant be any side that has gained more points from behind then Everton this season.

Can’t be many teams who’ve had the opportunity to gain points from behind.

 

[Bebeto]

It's a confidence issue...whilst we are level earlier on, the lack of confidence triggers mistakes which means going behind very early on. Once we are behind, mindset changes to "nothing to lose" anymore and only then we are playing like we are capable of. I am afraid that until we are able to get a few good results in a row, the theme will continue until the end of the season. Might be different though once we have our big players back fit and playing together.

 

[FrenchDarrenBent]

In fifteen out of the last twenty games we have conceded first. A shocking stat that reflects that we are mostly starting games very badly.

We have had to come back repeatedly, often we haven't been able come back because we go down by multiple goals. What is the issue?

Players not being switched on? Overly defensive set up? Poor set piece defending? Lack of intensity and pace? Benitez's coaching scrambling their heads? It's telling we look better once we forget his instruction and have a go in the second halves.

It's getting beyond ridiculous. It's almost like we're conceding on purpose.

I guess it's a mix of not being good enough, the players being too nervous, the manager not trusting his players and some rotten apples in the dressing room. Benitez is (well... was) known for organizing a potent defence by maximizing the potential of limited players (by giving them simple & clear instructions). He managed it at Newcastle so you'd expect the same here...