Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes his old club suffered a 'reality check' in their Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool.
Sean Dyche suffered his first defeat as Blues boss at Anfield on Monday night as goals in either half from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo secured Jurgen Klopp’s side a 2-0 victory. It was the first time the Reds had picked up three points this calendar year.
The defeat leaves the Blues inside the relegation zone, in 18th place, and Osman believes his old side showed 'no belief' in their performance and has also called on the club to sort their away form out. The Blues have won just twice on their travels in the last 18 months.
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“We were expecting Everton to come and put a performance in,” the former England international told Sky Sports.
“I thought maybe it would be likes Leeds' win here, but it was disappointing, it was a bit of a reality check. It's three points from two very difficult fixtures, that's the positive.”
Osman then continued, saying: “I think I look at Everton this season and that's been an Achilles' heel with regards to away form.
“They've only won two in 28 games. There is no belief away from home. There's no belief that when they run forward they'll be covered behind them.
“There's no belief that the team can stay in the game. Looking at those fixtures at teams in and around them, it's just as important Everton don't lose them because Everton have been really poor against those in and around.
“They lost to Bournemouth, lost to Southampton at home, lost to Wolves at home. When you look at Everton moving forward, they've got to be much better in those games.”
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