Source: SKY_Sports
Rodwell eyes Toffees response
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Jack Rodwell admits Everton need a win to kick-start their season and hopes it will come against Benfica on Thursday.[LNB] A 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday saw the Toffees' winless run stretch to six games.[LNB]They have tasted defeat on only two of those outings, but a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Benfica in the Europa League suggested the strain is beginning to show on David Moyes' depleted troops.[LNB]Rodwell admits morale in the Everton camp has taken a knock over recent weeks, but he feels there were signs of improvement against Villa and is confident revenge can be taken against Benfica at Goodison Park on Thursday.[LNB]"We feel good about the performance against Villa but not about the result," Rodwell told the Liverpool Echo.[LNB]"It's playing on our minds a little bit that we need a win and the perfect time to get that is on Thursday at Goodison.[LNB]"The defeat over in Portugal was difficult to take. In the first 45 minutes we were as good if not better than Benfica but in the second half we weren't at the races and our heads dropped.[LNB]"Now they've got to come to our ground and we have to show Benfica what a good side we are. We owe Benfica one and we owe it to ourselves. Hopefully on Thursday we can turn it around."[LNB]RestThe lengthy injury list at Goodison has undoubtedly taken its toll of late, with Rodwell revealing that some of Everton's youngsters are being pushed to breaking point in an effort to help the club's cause.[LNB]"It's been difficult both physically and mentally," he said.[LNB]"I've not had a rest and it's been hard for me because I'm not used to this. Last season I was in and out of the side and resting a bit more.[LNB]"I'm still young and my body is still adapting but I'm always happy to play every game. We have a lot of good players out injured but the lads have dug in and nobody is looking for excuses.[LNB]"It was good to have a few lads back on Saturday and when the rest come back I'm sure we'll do even better."[LNB]
