Dwight: Collapses hard to take
DWIGHT McNeil admits Everton’s players have been left speechless by their back-to-back Premier League collapses as they hope for a change of luck in the Carabao Cup.
Defeats to Bournemouth and Aston Villa from two goals up either side of the international break have left the Toffees rock bottom of the table and without a point.
Southampton, the only other side in the top six tiers of the English system without anything to show for their league efforts this season, are the visitors to Goodison tonight as both seek some cup relief.
“We’ve not had much to say in the dressing room,” admitted a gloomy McNeil. “It would be bad enough for it to have happened twice in a season but twice backto-back is just not good enough. We all know that as a team.”
McNeil’s form has been a rare positive in Everton’s season so far, with the former Burnley man shining in a central position and registering two goals and two assists, including scoring in the second round win over Doncaster.
Role
His link-up with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who both of his assists were for, has been impressive, and he hopes to continue that partnership tonight.
“I’m enjoying being in there with Dom,” said McNeil.“I’ve got a good relationship with him off the pitch so it’s nice to be playing alongside him in the new role as I feel I can impact games more and show more of what I’m about.”
Jarrad Branthwaite isn’t likely to be risked as he continues his recovery from injury, but James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure are pressing for starts.
Saints boss Russell Martin has confirmed that he will mix it up, saying: “There will be changes, there’ll be players who need to stake a claim for their place in the team because we haven’t won, albeit there’s so many positives.”