Everton desperate to build on the positives says Phelan

Everton desperate to build on the positives says Phelan Everton head coach Scott Phelan says that his side are desperate to build on the positive foundations that they have put down in the opening weeks of the season. The Toffees are in eighth position in the Barclays Women’s Super League table after nine rounds of matches and are unbeaten in four games in all competitions. When speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s fixture at Tottenham Hotspur, Everton boss Phelan gave a summary of the season so far and said that his side are eager to keep building. “It’s been a little bit of a mixed bag,” Phelan said. “We’ve done some good bits and some not-so-good bits. That’s where we are as a group; we are right at the beginning of trying to build and develop something. Of course, there will be some teething problems and that has proved to be the case.   “There have been lots of positive moments as well. It’s important that we remember them and build on them to move forward and that’s something that we are desperate to do. “It’s been a little bit of a mixed bag, but enough to be happy with.” This weekend’s opponents Spurs are also in good form following a tricky run of results. Phelan said that Everton’s focus is on themselves. He said “Spurs have won plenty of games, but they’ve also had their own challenges so far this season and that’s something for them to consider moving forward. We are just focusing on what we are trying to do and we are happy enough with how the season has started. We just want to use what we’ve done so far to build on and move forward if we can.” Everton were 2-1 winners at Spurs in the second half of last season. Phelan summarised the qualities that served his side well on that occasion. He said “We know the amount of effort and togetherness that it will take to be successful this weekend, that was certainly the case last season. It also shows that we’ve got nothing to fear. We’ve come up against a number of the stronger teams in the league and been competitive enough. Even last season, we had a number of close calls; Man United away, Arsenal away, conceding in the last minute and some narrow defeats which was tough. “It shows that the players can do something at this football club when they are together and united which they are. Nine times out of 10, it’s an extra advantage that other teams maybe don’t have the camaraderie that we have. That was evident last weekend and definitely the week before against Manchester United. “There’s a lot of learning to be competitive in certain games, but when we are together, it definitely gives us the best chance.” Everton’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Tottenham Hotspur kicks-off at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.