Broja Vows 'Better Days Are Ahead' For Everton

Armando Broja admits Everton "should have done more" to trouble Nottingham Forest during Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest – but expressed his confidence that "better days are ahead" for the Blues.

Goals from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White ensured Forest extended their winning run to five consecutive matches, while the three points took them to second in the Premier League table.

It was a difficult afternoon for Everton, who, despite having 64 per cent possession, registered just two shots on target. The Toffees' defeat follows recent positive showings in draws against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal and a 4-0 win over Wolves.

“It was a frustrating afternoon for us,” said Broja, speaking to evertontv after the game. “We couldn't really deal with everything that was thrown at us today, but we definitely could have done way better with the opportunities we did have.

“We created a few good opportunities, but we didn't really capitalise on them. We could have, and we should have, done more for ourselves, and we need to bounce back as quick as we can.

“We've had a few good results on the bounce against top opposition, and obviously they're flying high in the Premier League. They've done well; they've mastered the game they're playing and like I said, it wasn't our day, but we need to bounce back.”

The Albanian international’s involvement marked his first senior start for the Toffees, with the on-loan striker playing 75 minutes of the encounter.

Pleased with his inclusion from the off, Broja explained: “I was very delighted and happy with my first start. Obviously, big praise to the manager and everything for showing belief in me and to give me the first start.

“I'm going to keep trying to work as best as I can, try to work hard for the team. I know today probably wasn't one of my best performances. I did a few good things but there was room for improvement.

“Ultimately the most important thing is to win the game and that's what the aim is for everyone. We couldn't do it today but we're definitely going to bounce back and hopefully do it straight away in the new year. 

“We've got four strikers where everyone's feeding off each other. It's important for us to have that healthy competition and all four of us drive each other on. In training, we all train well and everyone's pushing each other to do better.

“I just come in and try to help the team as much as I can, try to give something different and there's definitely going to be better days ahead, for sure.”

Sunday’s contest was Everton’s final game of 2024, with their next outing – a trip to take on Bournemouth on Saturday – marking their first of the new year.

Determined to begin 2025 with a victory, Broja added: "We've just got to make sure we bring it as a team, we train and work hard and we have the right things in front of us to achieve, to move on forward and to win the game, which is the most important thing.

“It's always about winning and getting three points. We know they're having a good season, but we know we can cause problems of our own, so we're going to go there and give our all, and hopefully we can start the new year off with a win.”