Defence Must Improve

The most obvious flaw in Everton's play right now, as has been well documented, is their defence. A total of 12 goals have been conceded in five Premier League games and when you consider that only 33 were conceded last season it its entirety ? there does seem to be a distinct lack of normality about leaking so many goals.

So, why has this been the case? It is still the same back five as last year, so what can be done to improve things? Well, I have been a regular supporter of playing Joleon Lescott in his preferred position of centre back for quite some time now. I honestly think that is where he should play. It's only a suggestion, but how about moving Phil Jagielka to right back (where I saw him operate for Sheffield United on a number of occasions) and bring in Leighton Baines as the regular left back. This would then free up Phil Neville to play in the holding midfield role that he has great success in. Perhaps that is what is needed ? a bit more protection for the back four.

There will be many of you arguing that things shouldn't be changed on the back of five games. However, what concerns me most is the teams that Everton are conceding these goals against. It has been two a piece for newly promoted Stoke and Hull as well as one strike for fellow Premier League new boys West Brom. Then, in the two home games so far, Everton have conceded three to Portsmouth and three to Blackburn. This accounts for half of Rovers' goals in the league so far this season and highlights the fact that it could be Everton's problem.

Fair enough, it's not as if the start to the new campaign has been disastrous ? David Moyes's men are sitting in 9th after all. However, again I point you to the teams they have played. I suppose seven points out of nine on the road isn't too bad, but all away games have been against teams that were promoted last year. The games at Goodison have perhaps been more of the problem ? two defeats and six goals conceded against teams that finished below Everton last season. Only four games were lost at home last year ? so what has changed? Are the crowd expecting too much? Are the players buckling under the pressure of this expectation? Or is it simply a poor run of form that will correct itself in time?

Looking at the fixture before the season started, I think a lot of football bets would have been placed on Everton having more points at this stage of the season. Of course, football is never predictable, but with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United to come in the next few games ? I would imagine that the home defeats so far could be increasingly costly. Certainly in terms of Everton's position in the table come the end of October. It is also a worry how the defence will cope with Rooney, Torres, Gerrard, Drogba and co when they have struggled to shut out the attacking prowess of Hull and Stoke City.

It isn't all doom and gloom though ? far from it. The attacking ability in the team is looking fantastic right now. With Tim Cahill and Leon Osman returning to fitness, Louis Saha making his first appearance and Steven Pienaar still to come ? things look bright going forward in terms of support for Yakubu.

Of course, much of the focus is now on Saturday's game with Liverpool at Goodison Park. There is no doubt that the football odds will slightly favour a Liverpool win and the defence must improve if Everton are to emerge victorious. Having said that though, as long as Everton score more, I don't think anyone will care how the defence perform. 5-4 victory anyone?

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