Everton take on Manchester City at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening, looking to return to winning ways after a disappointing defeat to Fulham on Sunday. Read captain Seamus Coleman's programme notes for the fixture below and scroll down to find out what else is in Wednesday's packed edition and how to order your copy.
I’ll start with probably the most obvious line I have written since I had the privilege of being responsible for the captain’s notes.
We have to be much, much better [on Wednesday night] than we were on Sunday against Fulham to have any chance of getting a result.
We just weren’t at the races in that game and we got what we deserved – nothing.
You have to fight for everything you get in this league and you have to expect a tough game every time you cross the white line. We didn’t reach the standard required, simple as that.
Now this in no way, shape or form is an excuse, but there is no doubt that having no supporters inside the stadiums is making a difference.
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A big difference, in my opinion. We’re not the only team that has won more points away from home this season and that shows just how strange it has been.
I have said many times before that the Evertonians inside a packed and bouncing Goodison Park can be the difference.
Every team will say the same thing but there really is something truly inspirational about this place when it’s rocking.
But we can’t have fans in so it’s up to us as players to get back to enjoying playing at Goodison and get back to getting positive results at home.
We’ve won seven of our past nine away games and that’s fantastic form but at Goodison we just haven’t replicated that.
We haven’t lost away from home since October, but we haven’t won a Premier League game at Goodison since mid-December. It’s baffling but all we can do is keep working hard to put things right.
Sunday night was frustrating and I can assure you that the dressing room was not a pleasant place to be after the final whistle. We knew we had let ourselves down and there is a determination to put that right.
We’re under no illusions as to the size of the task [against Manchester City] but there’s nowhere to hide in this league.
You just have to face up to the challenges ahead of you and give it everything you’ve got. We’ve got something to prove, so why not do so against the best team in the Premier League?
Any football fan will enjoy watching Manchester City. They move the ball so well and so quickly and they are where they deserve to be – top of the table. But they are not invincible and we have to show the belief we can get a result.
It’s another big week for us and I hope we give you something to cheer about from the comfort and safety of your homes. Keep looking out for each other and stay safe.
Read an exclusive feature interview with Brazilian attacker Richarlison in Everton's matchday programme for Wednesday's visit of Manchester City.
Another issue full of exclusive content features an in-depth interview with Nikica Jelavic, the former Everton striker, and contains fresh news from the Club's Women, Under-23 and Under-18 teams.
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR EVERTON V MANCHESTER CITY PROGRAMME NOW
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR MATCHDAY PROGRAMME FOR EVERY EVERTON HOME GAME IN 2020/21
