🎙ToffeeWeb Podcast: “All About the Psychology”

Thanks for another very listenable podcast. The content in all the episodes to date is a welcome upgrade on most of the stuff we currently hear on local or national radio.

The in-depth review of the Southampton defeat highlights the poverty of our midfield play and the extent to which individuals' performances are dependent on everything functioning perfectly in the team. Too many of our players are adversely affected by problems around them.

The most obvious example is Gomes, described as an enigma. For me, the explanation for his inconsistency is quite simple. He lacks the pace and agility to be effective in a team which is not dominant in possession. This was the case before his injury, especially in away games.

I agree there is no point risking players returning from injury for the Man City match, most obviously Doucouré. The suggestion we use Townsend in midfield is, I think, a viable option. Benitez did so at home to Spurs, a game we drew but might have won only for a VAR intervention.

I didn't listen till the end, as listening to repeating the obvious, in unison, as discussion is difficult to stay with.

Was any link and or comparison made with last season – away from excellent and home form poor? The opposite almost pattern? What's the link?

It's not down to one player's inconsistency. It's a team game and all are at fault.

A lot speculation about some players' mental health being the cause of overall team performance this season away. What goes on inside a professional and experienced players' mindset from non-players is different from observing poor form on the pitch. .

Last point: playing for draws away doesn't work. One away win won't fix the problems. Leaders on the pitch, real leaders drive the team on, home or away.

I would say the thing I miss most is FA Cup replays under the lights at Goodison on either a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

I would also like to point out that, given the cost-of-living rises and the almost unbelievable hike in energy prices, which may even go higher given what's happening in Ukraine right now, that football clubs realise fans are going to have a lot less money to spend.

One other thing – I think we should turn Goodison Blue and Yellow on Saturday and show our support for Ukraine and of course our very own Ukrainian – Vitaliy Mykolenko.