Peter Reid shares theory over change that could have Everton ‘flying’ at home

Former Everton midfielder Peter Reid believes his old club have become ‘anxious’ at Goodison Park – but is convinced an early goal is key to turning things around.

The Blues picked an awful moment to lose a fourth consecutive home league game from the start of the season for the first time since 1958/59 on Saturday afternoon, as their winless run at Goodison went on following the 2-1 defeat to Luton Town.

Two encouraging away wins in five days suggested Everton had turned a corner heading into the clash with the Hatters. But they immediately reverted to type on home soil, as Sean Dyche’s side were made to pay for failing to take advantage of a number of openings during the opening 45 minutes and some shambolic defending at the back.

Dyche has only won four of his 13 home league games since succeeding Frank Lampard last January, and the Blues head into this weekend’s home game against Bournemouth just outside the drop zone on goal difference.

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But Reid, speaking exclusively to the ECHO at an event to celebrate 100 years of The Pools, is convinced that an early goal at Goodison will set his old side on their way to turning their home struggles around.

He said: “I think Everton at Goodison Park are anxious. I watched the game on Saturday in Majorca, and after 25 minutes [we had] missed chances, the same happened against Fulham and Wolves.

“We have just got to get a goal at Goodison, and I’m sure it will relax everyone. The results away from home, against Brentford and Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, were brilliant.

“I was, and I think many Evertonians were the same, expecting us to kick on, but because we didn’t stick it in, we got done on dead balls and paid the penalty.

“I’m convinced we will get a result against Bournemouth on Saturday. I’m convinced that if Everton get a goal early in the game, I think you will see them flying.”

Peter Reid was speaking exclusively to the ECHO at a VIP event helping kickstart the Football Pools’ centenary year. 100 years and still going strong!