Kenny: The most important thing for us is to become a group again

More often than not this season, when Everton take to the pitch the players look like eleven strangers who have just been introduced to each other a few minutes before warmups. The putrid performances that have ensued from the resulting awkward ballet come as no surprise to most fans.

The players themselves know they need to get better, and even one of the younger members of the senior squad has now spoken up about it. Right back Jonjoe Kenny, who has made the starting right back position his own following his introduction by David Unsworth, spoke to evertontv about the importance of building relationships on the pitch within the squad, starting with newest signing Theo Walcott.

“Theo is another top-class player. It will take time for me to get to know his game – and for him to get to know mine. That will happen game by game, but he is a top player and a great addition to our squad.

“It was a great assist [for Niasse’s goal]. A great ball from Wazza [Wayne Rooney] and a top finish [from Oumar Niasse].

“Now we have time on the training ground to keep working hard and progressing – and to look forward to the next game.

“The most important thing is to develop those relationships, for the new players to get to know the team and the players – and for us to become a group again.”

Eliminated from the FA Cup, the Blues don’t play again for 11 days until they host Leicester City. The Foxes are now six points ahead of the Blues and in pole position for the coveted seventh place that could once again get a team into the Europa League.

The pressure on Sam Allardyce is mounting after how abysmal the Toffees have been in the last six games, and the manager will need to show much, much more if he wants to quell the loud murmurs about his future beyond this season - let’s see what he can do.