Coleman: We Know We Have To Be Better

Seamus Coleman admitted Everton’s players “know we have to be better” after a 2-1 defeat against Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Blues looked well set for a welcome away win when Turkey international Cenk Tosun headed them in front on 20 minutes for his first goal for the Club.

But despite a positive opening half, the visitors could not capitalise on a host of chances and that proved crucial as the Clarets hit back in the second half with goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

Coleman, making his first appearance since going off at half-time with a minor injury against Crystal Palace on 10 February, said the loss was “difficult to take” and conceded Everton’s display after the interval was not good enough against a Burnley side who came into the contest without a win in 11 league matches.

“It’s difficult to take,” said the right-back. “We came knowing they haven’t won in a while and got off to a great start but it was nowhere near good enough. It’s something we need to sort out."

Asked why the Blues struggled to replicate their positive first-half performance, the Republic of Ireland captain added: “I’m not sure. They went with two up front and it was difficult as they played a few long balls but that’s no excuse. We should be coming here, especially the form they were in, and looking to get three points but we didn’t get that and we’re all very disappointed.

“Individually, all of us weren’t good enough. Burnley were getting second balls when we should have been challenging them and, all in all, it wasn’t good enough. We know we have to better.”

Everton will look to get back to winning ways next Saturday when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison. It’s a chance to extend their impressive home run under manager Sam Allardyce – and Coleman says it’s crucial for the players to put it right.

“It’s all very clichéd saying things like this in interviews but the only way we can get better is by performing and doing it out on the pitch,” he added.

“We need to show desire and show we want it. We do have some quality players who should help us do that."