Yerry Mina insists Everton are determined to show Goodison Park “is our territory where we are boss” as the Blues aim to sustain their impressive home form when Newcastle United visit L4 on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).
The Blues have taken 10 points from their past four Premier League matches at Goodison, having beaten Chelsea, Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion and battled out a scoreless draw with Arsenal.
Mina has been part of a resolute defence that has conceded just one goal over the course of those matches.
The 25-year-old centre-back - who joined the Toffees from Barcelona in 2018 - revealed the inspirational effect Evertonians’ vocal backing has on the team and set out his hunger to reward their unwavering support.
“Goodison Park is our home,” he said.
“We’ve got to make people come here and respect us. And we’ve got to earn that respect ourselves when we come here.
“This is our territory, and we are boss. We need to boss things and be in charge of games when we’re at home.
“We’re lucky to have such a great fanbase. Every game they love us. Every game that we go into, we’ve got to fight tooth and nail. It’s almost an obligation.
“The fans get behind us every inch of the way, they encourage us, they support us, they cheer us on.
“Whether it’s the first minute of the game or the 90th minute, they’re always behind us
“Rest assured, we’re going to be trying to make Goodison a fortress and give them the results that they deserve.”
Everton head into Tuesday’s match 11th in the Premier League, level on points with Newcastle but ahead of Steve Bruce’s side on goal difference. A win would propel the Toffees into the top half of the table.
Among the roaring thousands at Goodison will be members of Mina’s family – and the defender explained why the game carries extra significance for him.
“I’ve not only got my dad here to watch me, but I’ve got my brother,” he said.
“It is very special because it is the first time my brother has got over to see me.
“It’s great we can share stuff together as a family. It makes me really, really happy.
“We need to get the win at Goodison to make it a perfect night.”
