Source: SKY_Sports
Neville promises better
Captain Phil Neville insists Everton will tighten up after their weekend battering and that the squad are 'hurting'.
The Toffees were expected to give Arsenal a scare at Goodison Park in their season-opener, but it proved a comfortable success for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger's side romped to a stunning 6-1 victory, leaving Everton licking their wounds at their worst-ever Premier League defeat.
Neville knows Everton will not be on top form consistently, although the club prides itself on being hard to beat regardless of the performance.
The former Manchester United man admits the team need to get back to basics following the defeat and help restore pride in the famous club when they tackle Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday.
"In terms of our defending, it's the worst we have played since Dinamo Bucharest (5-1 defeat in September 2005)," he said. "It was too easy for Arsenal to get in and score.
"That is not the Everton that has shown such consistency over the last five years. We have been built on solid foundations and pride ourselves in being difficult to beat.
"That has been our strength. Even if the quality of our play has not been good at times in the past, people know that we are hard to beat.
"We need to toughen up and get back to basics. I know we are hurting and we have got to take responsibility for that performance.
"It is not acceptable and, believe me, the players will not accept it. You talk about our famous spirit, well we have got to show it now. This is a time for strong characters.
"We have got to show our strength of spirit on Thursday night. We have got to show everything that has made us the fifth best team in England. This is a big test for us."
