Former Everton striker Andy Gray has warned manager Roberto Martinez that he must rethink his strategy to turn the club's fortunes around.
The Toffees currently sit 12th in the Premier League table following Sunday's 3-2 reversal at the hands of Newcastle United, which was their fourth defeat in five league outings.
Gray feels that the Merseysiders, who have shipped 31 goals in just 19 games, need to find the defensive steel that was evident under the management of Martinez's predecessor David Moyes.
"I'm a little concerned, if I'm honest," Gray told talkSPORT. "Roberto is maybe trying to soften Everton a little too much. The stats don't lie, and Everton's defending is nowhere near as good as it used to be.
"The one thing I remember under David Moyes was Everton were one of the toughest teams to play against in the Premier League. They were extremely tough to break down, they were extremely well organised, and they just seem less so to me now.
"A little bit too much football for me, a little bit too soft for me, and I think that has been reflected in results. I am concerned. Roberto needs to rethink his strategy because without a doubt there are problems."
Everton travel to Hull City on January 1.
Steven Toplis
