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Leon Osman knows what it takes to succeed at Everton. The former midfielder made 352 appearances for the Blues between 2000 and 2016, scoring 43 goals and becoming a true Goodison Park icon.
Speaking to the Premier League Productions, Osman has offered his honest assessment of where David Moyes’ side needs to improve. He shared his input particularly after the cruel late defeat to Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Osman believes the game highlighted a clear area for development if Everton are to push on from a promising season and secure European football.
‘The game is won and lost at both ends’
Speaking after the 2-1 loss to Liverpool, Osman pointed to the decisive moments that separated the two sides. “I think it’s always at both ends of the game that the game is won and lost,” he said. “It’s quite obvious, I think you’ve got to be ruthless.”
He broke down the key passages of the derby to make his point. “Look at the first half. Liverpool, 29 minutes, weren’t really in the game as an attacking team. One bit of good closing down, one Everton mistake, and Liverpool were completely ruthless in that moment. The same at the end.”
Mohamed Salah’s opener came from a rare lapse. Subsequently, Virgil van Dijk’s 100th‑minute winner punished Everton when they had looked the more likely to score. Osman contrasted that with Everton’s own efforts in front of goal.
“I think Everton getting into the penalty area on numerous occasions in good control of the ball at times and just didn’t show that same ruthlessness to make sure that the ball ended up in the back of the goal.”
Everton heading in the right direction
Despite the disappointment, Leon Osman was clear that Everton are heading in the right direction. “Everton are having a really good season. There’s no doubt about it,” he said. “But I think when you’re talking about the next step and improving the fine margins, I’m sure that’s where Everton will look to improve.”
Those fine margins will be tested in the remaining five fixtures. Everton currently sit 10th with 47 points, but a win against West Ham in their next outing would lift them to 50 points and potentially into sixth place. The run‑in includes Manchester City at home, Crystal Palace away, Sunderland at home, and a trip to Tottenham on the final day.
Every game now carries the weight of a final. European qualification is still within reach, but as Osman highlighted, ruthlessness in both boxes will determine whether the Toffees get there. Moyes’ side have shown they can compete with the best. Now they need to show they can finish the job.
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