‘With Goodison as the 12th player, Everton can win’ - Silva seeks home comforts against fellow strugglers Spurs

Everton boss Marco Silva admits he is at a loss to explain away the team’s woeful away form but admits that places greater emphasis on their ability to pick up points at Goodison Park.

The Toffees are without a win on the road since March and have taken just one point from their five away games so far this term.

It is a problem Sunday’s opponents Tottenham can emphasise with. No top flight team has lost more away games in 2019 than Spurs and they haven’t picked up three points on the road since January.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of the game at Goodison Park, Silva said the club’s struggles away from Merseyside is one of the key issues he is trying to address this season, though that shouldn’t be at the expense of their home displays.

“It’s tough for us to explain. Last season we improved the away form on the season before, our goal this season is to do the same. We cannot have two faces as a team. Now is a moment to focus on home form and they are very good numbers for us.

“Each game you have to look and prepare in the right way, even if they didn’t achieve results in their last away games. Our job is making sure they don’t change against us, because at Goodison we are getting stronger every match.”

Silva was also keen to praise Tottenham and insists they will pose a formidable challenge despite their recent poor form away from home.

The Portuguese won’t need reminding that one of their most convincing performances last season was a 6-2 thrashing of Everton at Goodison last December.

“They played the Champions League final last season and didn’t lost many players. They have fantastic players and a fantastic manager.

“We look at Tottenham as a strong side with really high quality and international players at their best. For me it will be a tough one. With Goodison as the 12th player, we can win the game.”

Silva was also asked about Richarlison’s best position, with the Brazilian having played right across the frontline throughout this season.

When is was put to him that the forward is perhaps most effective cutting in from the left, Silva said:

“I do not have all Richarlison’s goals in my mind so I can’t tell you if you are right.

He can play three positions in our attack-line. He can smell a goal easily if he stays around the box.”