Everton are still getting to grips with life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Changes are being made based on feedback from fans, while David Moyes and the players are still getting used to life after Goodison Park too with only six wins from 17 games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium so far.
As the Toffees approach the end of their first season at the new ground, Joe Cole has now explained why he felt Goodison Park was the most difficult stadium for an opposition player to visit.
Has this £30m upgrade actually made a difference on match days? 📞
Let us know what your experience has been like…
The Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton fans prepare for Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar.
Joe Cole reminisces over “intimidating” and “aggressive” Goodison Park
Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, the 44-year-old said: “Hardest away ground to go to was Goodison Park. Never really played well there. Intimidating, aggressive… Moyes’ teams are always hard to play against. Really tough.”
Everton are yet to make the Hill Dickinson Stadium feel the same way.
Moyes even said he believes opponents actually have an advantage over Everton at the new ground this season, due to the fact the away fans are louder as they relish the experience of a new stadium for the first time.
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The Hill Dickinson Stadium also has a bigger pitch than Goodison Park, another change Everton need to adjust to – Arsene Wenger faced a similar issue after leaving Highbury for the Emirates Stadium, even changing his formation in a bid to help Arsenal deal with the additional space.
Fortunately, Everton have been excellent away from home this season, winning seven out of 15 away games in the Premier League with three draws as well, putting the Toffees in contention to qualify for European football.
Forget the transport issues, if you could change one thing about the Hill Dickinson, what would it be? 🤔
Gary Lineker's comments on Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/David Ramos/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
If Moyes does qualify for a UEFA competition, giving Everton the chance to play more football at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next term, it surely won’t be long until the new ground starts to feel like home.
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