As I expected, we’re proving that we’re no pushovers so far this season, following our promotion back to the Premier League and, I’m sure that is in part down to the hostile environment that you guys create for visiting teams.
Our first game of the season, the decibel levels were incredible and I’m sure that our new signings felt the atmosphere. Granted, we had to wait until the last 10 minutes to get the winner, with new boy Lukas Nmecha converting from the spot as a substitute, but throughout the game you could tell Everton felt intimidated.
The game against Newcastle United – which I did think we could pick up a point in – had a superb atmosphere and the crowd buoyed the players to make it hard. While we didn’t really look like scoring, we kept our discipline and the work-rate of the players – especially Sean Longstaff against his former club, was outstanding.
Even against Bournemouth – we might have gone behind, but the crowd pushed the players forward and we were so unlucky not to hold on. Granted, they’re a very good side – I can only hope we get the type of quality attackers they have – but we had the measure of them.
It was so frustrating to lose to Tottenham – again, a really good side, but we managed to pull a goal back after going behind and it would have been great to hang on. Although, again, the atmosphere was electric and I think against lesser quality opposition, we can really use this to our advantage and make it count.
We Need To Turn Draws Into Wins
Yes, we have faced tricky opponents at home so far and I think, have done as well as can be expected; that Bournemouth match is still frustrating, though I think we can push on from our start so far and start turning these draws into wins.
West Ham United will under the floodlights on a Friday night later this month will be a huge test – of course, the Hammers have new manager Nuno Espirito Santo installed, though I do wonder what difference this will make. Their squad doesn’t really scream quality and I think we can get the better of them. It won’t be easy, but I’ll definitely take a 1-0 win and with you lot behind the boys, this can be a difference-maker.
Obviously, there will be plenty of other opportunities, but I think, if we can put a few past just one team at home, then this will give us the confidence we need to really push on and, who knows – maybe even start picking up three points away from home as well.
Just looking at the fixtures, after the Hammers match, our next home game comes against Aston Villa in the last week of November. That could be a tricky game, but I certainly think they are there for the taking. We’ll need to concentrate, but with the players that we have brought in, we can make it hard for them and obviously, with the atmosphere this could be another high-pressure cooker match, especially for a Sunday afternoon.
Overall, Elland Road can certainly be one of our biggest strengths this season and it already is starting to prove this.
