FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 LOSE THE FEAR FACTOR

Everton last won at Arsenal in 1996, they haven’t beaten Chelsea away in the league since 1994, and their Anfield hoodoo goes back more than two decades. They’ve also won at Old Trafford just once in 28 years. When they visit the big boys, they are beaten before a ball is kicked, and that mentality must change. The current crop need to believe; those dismal records should spur them on, not act as easy excuses.

2 MAKE GOODISON ROAR

The Grand Old Lady was always a fortress. Everton would stampede forward looking for a winner, and the ground would shake under the feverous cacophony of noise. Those afternoons have been few and far between lately. However, Duncan Ferguson’s caretaker stint re- energised a crowd which is so close to the pitch and can be hostile. An exciting, front- foot style from Ancelotti would help to make the Goodison bear pit intimidating again.

3 SHAKE UP THE MIDFIELD

The centre of the park became a dour mess for Everton, bereft of urgency and of fluidity. No midfielder made more than 330 forward passes last term; in contrast, Southampton’s Pierre- Emile Hojbjerg completed 672 and Abdoulaye Doucoure, relegated with Watford, 479. The middle men at Everton must take responsibility and show purpose.

4 CREATE AN IDENTITY

The Toffees have spent £ 450m since 2016. What do they have to show for it? A goal difference of zero. Having flipped between managers, they now have a rag- tag squad, even with several Ronald Koeman signings having left this summer. They must better identify players to fit a defined Ancelotti system and avoid a pile- up of deadwood.

5 STAY IN IT ’ TIL MAY

Everton are enduring their longest barren run, having last won a trophy in 1995, and it’s been some time since they had something to play for at the business end of the season. The Blues must treat the cups as seriously as they treat the league.