Jack Rodwell rues Everton’s ‘bad habit’ of conceding early goals at Goodison Park

Jack Rodwell has vowed to help tighten up Everton's defence after his return from injury was marred by a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City.

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Everton have gone behind in nine of the their 10 games in all competitions at Goodison Park this season, with Rodwell keen to eradicate what he believes is becoming a 'bad habit'.

He told the club’s official website: "It is becoming a bad habit, you don't want to concede at any time but to concede early doors you have to claw your way back into the game and it's always difficult.
 
"We conceded an unlucky goal, a deflection off a set piece and we've been working on set plays all week as obviously they are threatening so it's disappointing in that sense.
 
"We had a couple of chances where we didn't quite get the luck of the draw. 

Everton have been without the midfielder since he injured himself on international duty with England, and the 20-year-old has spoken of his eagerness to get back to winning ways with the Toffees.

"I've felt good, I've been in rehab for a couple of weeks with my rib and now I'm back into it which is pleasing. But it would have been perfect if we'd got the win. 

"It was obviously disappointing to lose the game, on a day like that we wanted to give the fans something back to remember Gary Speed but it wasn't to be and we're all disappointed."