Source: Liverpool_Echo
Steven Pienaar states case for Everton FC defence
STEVEN PIENAAR believes Everton are ready to get back to the defensive solidity which has been their calling card in recent seasons.[LNB]The South African midfielder believes the Blues first clean sheet of a turbulent start to the season, at Fulham on Saturday, was a sign of things to come and backed David Moyes' team to pick up where they left off against Birmingham this weekend.[LNB]Pienaar, who insists he is yet to reach his peak in a blue shirt, feels the team have finally put the dismal home defeat to Newcastle United in the league out of their heads, and are ready to assert themselves.[LNB]Spectators have blamed Everton's lack of a cutting edge in front of goal for hampering their form most this season, but Pienaar insists a water-tight back four is equally integral to success.[LNB] He said: 'If you don't concede goals you're not going to lose. For the guys at the back it was a boost that it was the first clean sheet of the season against Fulham and they played well.[LNB]'The Newcastle game was disappointing. We let a lot of people down and we know it. We went into Fulham with our heads clear and showed we can play when we play 100%.[LNB]'We all know Birmingham are difficult to play against away. Well organised and tough. It's going to be tough but we just have to play our own game and hopefully get all three points. They are always well organised with a good foundation. We have to build on our last game and make sure we play with confidence and be sharper in front of goal.'
