Fans Comment
Chris Jones

Tired limbs and tired minds ......
05/02/25

The players: mentally and physically drained by their exploits this season?

As we approach the final phase of the premier league season many Evertonians including myself, will be hoping that history does not repeat itself and see our gargantuan efforts crumble to dust as our beloved team runs out of energy and ideas.

Determined resolve and a “never say die” attitude has helped to shape our season to the point where we will now be collectively devastated if a European competition place is not achieved. Having arguably the smallest squad in the Premiership has always been a concern and the press have constantly reminded us that as soon as injuries and suspensions kick-in we will slide down to mid-table mediocrity as the so-called experts predicted.

Our ability to rescue games in the final few minutes of the match has meant that players have retired to the dressing room elated, but mentally and physically drained from the efforts on the pitch. Whilst some managers decree that tiredness is never felt when a team is on a winning streak, it only takes one or two defeats for the bubble to burst and for the sudden psychological fatigue to envelop the body. Success means more games, which means more injuries and strains, which in turn means some players playing with injuries as the recuperation period becomes shorter and shorter between fixtures.

David Moyes recently admitted that Tim Cahill – (who he affectionately christened Robocop) and a few others had been playing with niggling injuries. However, due to the players' desire to continue, combined with the limited size of the squad, it had been difficult — and in some cases impossible — to rest players. Furthermore, looking at Everton’s recent form statistics, it may appear to some that the whole disappointing scenario is about to happen again, as, slowly but surely, we gradually run out of steam and agonisingly slip down to seventh spot.

While to some people, and by this I mean supporters of clubs finishing above us, this might be seen as a successful season bearing in mind that the entire British press expected us to be relegation fodder, to Evertonians it would be another laceration across the heart.

So what’s different about this season that’s going to prevent the nightmare scenario happening again …… ? Well, for what it’s worth I think an important factor is that we only have 3 competitive games to play over the next 39 days providing vital rest and convalescence for the players over a long season.

The fixture gods have looked down upon us with mercy and although we don’t have the easiest of run-ins, let’s remember that both Man Utd and Arsenal - who we have yet to play, are still involved in the FA and European cup competitions. This means more matches, more travelling and more chance for injury and suspension from yellow and red cards, I appreciate that they have bigger squads than the likes of Everton, but this is also relative to the amount of injuries – particularly to key players.

Despite the disappointment of losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup the one positive thing to take from the defeat is that it leaves us with a few more free weekends and therefore longer rest periods for players and those recovering from injury. Rather than “Baz” Rathbone having to patch up players and send them out to the front line again like some bizarre MASH parody, it means that the players bodies can recover naturally and energy reserves can be built up again instead of the tank constantly registering empty.

David Moyes has suggested that he may take the players away to a warmer climate for a period of R&R and some team bonding, well this is the perfect opportunity for such an occasion.

Whilst there are no guarantees that an extended break will provide us with the necessary push to get us over the finishing line and into fourth place, it may help to ensure that all key players are injury free and suitably rested for the final assault. We have 6 games to play during April including back to back games with Man Utd and Arsenal, here’s hoping that players and staff take full advantage of the enforced break ……..

Chris  Jones

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