MARK LAWRENSON: Everton must start taking their chances

Mar 11 2008 Mark Lawrenson

IT’S been a gradual learning process for Everton this season.

But one valuable lesson was taught at Sunderland on Sunday – and they need to keep it stored for the visit of Fiorentina.

It’s based on making sure you take any opportunities you get.

Mainly because you aren’t going to be given many by an Italian team protecting a two-goal lead.

But then Everton didn’t get many at the Stadium of Light either and still managed to find the decisive strike.

Which will do wonders for the mood of the side going into their second leg tomorrow.

They just weren’t at it in Florence last week and that sometimes happens when you’re in the middle of a good run. You turn up but for whatever reason you just can’t get going.

It’s how you respond that counts and victory at Sunderland is a massive result.

Had they not got it they might still have been down going into tomorrow’s tie. Now they’re back up and running again.

Just shows the importance of making the most of a rare opportunity – and hopefully that will stand them in good stead to get the early goal so vital to the fightback against Fiorentina.