Leon Osman says Everton need to rediscover their ruthlessness if they’re to gain the points their performances deserve.
The Blues have bossed large spells of all three of their Premier League games this season but are yet to convert that dominance into a win.
And speaking after a third successive league draw away at Cardiff City on Saturday, the 32-year-old said: “That has been the story so far of our season. We’ve played reasonably well in games, created quite a few chances and not quite been able to turn that into a victory.
“We take positives. We’ve had two clean sheets in the last two games and we’re the team on the front foot.
“But, ultimately, it’s about winning games in this league and we haven’t quite made that next step.”
Osman’s comments echoed those of manager Roberto Martinez, who himself called for his side to grow more clinical in front of goal.
And the midfielder also agreed with his boss that Everton were unfortunate to be denied a first-half penalty when Leighton Baines went down under a challenge from Chile international Gary Medel.
“It was puzzling,” he said. “I think most of the home fans probably held their breath and we were certainly calling for a penalty.
“But the referee decided not to give it, so what can you do?”
That’s farcical, if true(the comment) because he has been one of the worst in giving the ball away cheaply, not providing any service to the striker, and, on the very rare occasion, when given a goal scoring opportunity, has been profligate.
Yes we need to be more clinical and more to the point we you to be out of the team.
Really Ossie? Thats rocket science isnt it. We have needed to be more clinical since last Autumn when we started drawing every game we dominated and should have taken home enough points to probably even finish fourth. Its a long lasting problem that clearly still hasnt been rectified this summer. Starting to also get a bit worried that Roberto is going down the David Moyes `cant drop Leon Osman` mould. Nothing against Osman, great servant, puts his heart in to the cause but like Pienaar he is past his best and not the player to really move us on. We have been too sentimental about players too often, Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Campbell, Weir, Stubbs. Sometimes you need to see when a player has very little left to offer at the level we are playing and try to look for something new, there are enough players out there. Where are the decent striking options ? How long do we keep persisting with Jelavic? 1 league goal since last December. Kone hasnt started because he isnt sharp? why not? should he be allowed to be paid handsomley whilst fasting during Ramadan? something which if we believe is true, has affected his early season sharpness. Codswallop. Get the chequebook out Bill, and do something before tomorrow 11pm
Yep well said both you guys! Now the nitty gritty, If we sell Felli or Baines tomorrow & on the cheap, and Martinez will have gone back on his word EFC can -uck right off! Hate to say that but aint putting up with the bullshit anymore & will support my local team PNE! Over to you Martinez, but don’t sell & get Barry/Ofoe, Toby & Hosiner in AND JOB FUCKIN DONE, COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!