‘Have to try’: Rafa Benitez issues ‘mistakes’ verdict in message to Everton players

Follow us on Google Discover

Rafa Benitez says Everton know where they have to improve to turn around a dire run of form in the Premier League, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo.

The Toffees enter the weekend 10th in the table after three consecutive defeats to West Ham United, Watford and Wolves.

Lucky for Benitez, then, that the next team Everton face does not start with a ‘W’, but a ‘T’. And a ‘T’ in Tottenham Hotspur, ready to kickstart their season after hiring Antonio Conte.

On form, Everton are one of the worst Premier League sides with Newcastle United and Aston Villa since September 28.

Only the Villans, who went four games without a single point, fared worse than Everton, who drew with Manchester United.

The Blues will also feel blue about their defensive record, having conceded nine times. Only Aston Villa (12) and the Red Devils (10) shipped more over the same period.

Benitez knows areas Everton must improve

Before facing Manchester United, the Toffees sat fifth in the table – level on points with second-place, but trailing on goal difference to Man City, Chelsea and the Red Devils.

Benitez says he and the Everton players know where they need to improve to revive what was a promising season. With their work at set-pieces one area with scope to improve.

“The team has certain characteristics and we have to try and improve things, but Rome was not built in one day,” Benitez said.

“They know [where they have to improve]. After the games we watch clips, analyse what we were doing and then we start working on that.

“We understand that we make mistakes. Set-pieces, for example, we are making mistakes. We know that we have to improve all of these things.

“You have to make sure the players take responsibility, too, and this group are doing that.

“You have to consider if they have the commitment, and I think they have. Or if they’re keen to learn, and I think they are.”

After the opening 10 Premier League games, Everton rank 11th for goals scored from set-pieces with two, per WhoScored.

But the Blues also rank second to Crystal Palace for goals conceded with six, just one fewer than the Eagles.

In contrast, Man City and Wolves – who scored from a corner against Everton – are yet to concede from a set-piece.

Wolves’ goal on Monday night also sparked question marks over Benitez’s system, while The Athletic reported Andros Townsend apologised for his role in Max Kilman scoring.