Thursday 5 March 2015 14:19, UK
Former Everton striker Graeme Sharp believes the club’s poor Premier League form this season is down to a lack of goals.
Everton find themselves in 14th place after losing 2-0 to Stoke City on Wednesday and Sharp says their inability to match the tempo of last season, when they finished fifth, is reflected in their goalscoring stats.
They have scored just over a goal a game this season, leaving them only six points clear of the relegation zone with 10 matches remaining of Roberto martinez's second season in charge.
Speaking on the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ, the former Scotland international said: “It’s maybe a second season syndrome, maybe people know how Everton play now.
“Especially at Goodison Park, they sit behind the ball and make it difficult for them to break down. They haven’t moved the ball quickly as last year and they’ve found it difficult to score goals.
“Once we go a goal behind, it’s difficult to get back in the game.”
Sharp added that injuries to key players have not helped Martinez’s cause, but is hoping the return of Darron Gibson and Leon Osman can boost the team.
“Evertonians are worried, they are looking over their shoulder," he said. “We haven’t really had a consistency in terms of personnel but Darron Gibson returning is a bonus, and Leon Osman.”
