Andy Gray concerned by Everton defence

Everton legend Andy Gray has given his opinions on Everton's recent struggles.

The Blues lost to Newcastle on Sunday to make it their eighth loss of the season and their third in succession.

Now the former fan favourite has admitted that he is worried the current side has become "too soft" under manager Roberto Martinez. He feels the Spaniard has sacrificed their strength at the back for the free flowing football that the manager prefers.

Following the loss at Newcastle, the Blues have now shipped 31 goals in the league this season, a total eight less than in the whole of last season. Those defensive frailties have been well documented, as individual mistakes have cost them more goals than any other side in the whole of Europe.

Speaking to TalkSport, Gray said: "They are playing a little too much football for me and are a little too soft at times and I think that is reflected in the results and I am a little concerned"

"It is ok to say ‘I'm not going to change' and ‘I want to keep playing this way' but if it ain't working then sometimes you do have to change things a little bit and maybe Roberto needs to re-think his strategy a little because at the moment because, without doubt, they have problems."

What do you think, should Martinez change his strategy? Are the Blues too soft? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.