A selection of Everton fans have been reacting on social media to recent comments shared by head coach Marco Silva, detailing what he expects to see from his side after winning their first Premier League game in five.
Silva has challenged his players to deliver consistent performances, featuring the same level of ‘speed, intensity and desire’ as shown against West Ham United on Saturday, as the Toffees brought an end to a four-game losing streak.
The Portuguese made a raft of changes to his starting line-up from the side that lost at Burnley as a result of injuries, tactical decisions and a suspension, and feels the squad at Goodison Park must now realise the pressure for places and embrace the fight.
“The performance is the main thing,” Silva told Everton’s official website. “I was happy [with the win against West Ham], not just because we won the game but the way we won the game.
“The way we achieved it, with a plan… we asked the players to do some important things in the match and they understood and did them. When I see that on the pitch it is a very good feeling.
“We were brave and I saw that togetherness I asked to see.”
Silva added that the display at Goodison Park has now set a benchmark for the remainder of the season, and some Everton fans seemingly agree, as one has noted in response that he feels the Blues will be alright if they maintain that level of performance.
Another suggested they hope it will not just prove to be a one-off, as Everton have not won consecutive league games yet this season, and only followed up a home win with three points on the road twice last season.
Just hope we can keep it up and it’s not a one off
— Liam (@Lj9Liam) October 23, 2019
Consistency in those level of performances and ?
— Mathew Jenkins (@MathewJenkinsz) October 23, 2019
Seamus Coleman’s red card at Turf Moor meant AS Monaco loanee Djibril Sidibe was handed a first Premier League start against West Ham (TransferMarkt), while Tom Davies joined the right-back having played just 20 minutes across the previous eight league games.
Andre Gomes, Theo Walcott and Bernard also returned to the opening line-up, having played a combined six minutes against Burnley, as ex-Arsenal man Walcott sat out following a concussion (BBC) and Bernard served as an unused substitute (WhoScored).
Fans now hope to see as few changes as possible when the Blues travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, as ‘you don’t change a winning team’.
You don’t change a winning team Marco
— Spagnum Moss (@SpagnumT_Moss) October 23, 2019
Just always play like we did against West Ham and don’t play Schneiderlin and Coleman for the love of god
— Michael (@Mercury_SnipezZ) October 23, 2019
But while some fans have joined Silva in hoping that the West Ham game set a tone for the remainder of the season, others have suggested any thoughts of such should be put on ice as it is not the time to get too carried away.
Others are still unsure Silva is the man to guide their side, either, after the Portuguese labeled the Irons clash a ‘must-win’ match (Daily Mail) after winning just two of the opening eight league fixtures.
Let’s not get too carried away. It was West Ham!
— Steve Huyton (@huytonsj) October 23, 2019
If this the best coach a club like Everton’s can get, then God help us
— DraftyCASH (@draftycash) October 23, 2019