McNeil Outlines Moyes’ Target For Blues

Dwight McNeil says mistakes proved costly for Everton during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – but recognises the Toffees competed well with their fifth-consecutive top five opponent.

A tough run for David Moyes’ men has seen the Blues come up against Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Chelsea all in succession across a challenging month, with Saturday’s encounter proving another difficult test.

Nicolas Jackson’s goal on 27 minutes – a quick attack after Everton had lost possession – proved to be enough during another tight affair for the Toffees, who have been awkward customers for the Premier League’s leading pack.

Everton want to be in and amongst those teams, says McNeil, who told evertontv: “I think we had some good results, like the three points against Forest and then the point against Arsenal.

“That's where we want to be going forward. The manager talks about it a lot – about being in that side of the table instead of where we've been in recent years because a club like we are, that's where we should be.”

Everton produced an improved second-half display in the capital, registering five of their six efforts at goal after the interval, including three chances inside the Chelsea penalty area.

Reflecting on the Blues’ performances, McNeil continued: “I think we played a lot better in the second half. We always knew it was going to be difficult coming here.

“I think it was just that one mistake in the first half. In this league against teams like Chelsea, if you make that one mistake, you normally get punished. That's what happened today.”

McNeil – who was introduced off the bench on 63 minutes – found an opportunity to clinch an Everton equaliser just three minutes from normal time. His low volley from close range was denied by an impressive Robert Sanchez save.

“It was a difficult chance because I didn't see it until the last minute,” said McNeil. “For me, it wasn’t at a height to generate the power that I wanted, but I think that's where we've got to improve – in the final third; create more chances and be more ruthless in front of goal.”

Sidelined with a knee injury from December to early April, McNeil’s involvement on Saturday marks his fourth appearance since his return.

Impactful off the bench, the winger set up Everton’s winner against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and almost converted a late leveller at Chelsea.

Hoping to get back to his fine early-season form, he added: “It was a bit frustrating, especially being out for four months.

“For me, it was the first time I had a serious injury and it was really difficult to not be a part of it, but I'm happy that I'm back now and I just want to get my fitness up, be sharp again and try to kick on to where I was before I got injured.

“I always try and be the best that I can be to help the team, because, like I say, I want to help the team and improve the team and try and get more wins on the board because that's the ambition for the Club. I want to be part of it.”