Paul McParlan - Dyche’s dogs of war
The win over Arsenal on Saturday further served to highlight Frank Lampard’s shortcomings as Everton manager.
Although he remained popular with most fans, his failure to devise a formation that brought the best out of his players was becoming more obvious each game.
From the kick-off it was clear that Sean Dyche and his staff had spent the week addressing this on the training ground. It has become normal this campaign to see the opposition allowed time and space to control the game, so to spot Bukayo Saka being double marked from the first minute was hugely encouraging and ultimately effective.
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Instead of drifting aimlessly inside, wingers Alex Iwobi and Dwight McNeil hugged the flanks, burst forward with pace and delivered a series of penetrating precision crosses. Everton arguably created more chances in the first half than they had in the last four home games and the crowd loved it!
Everton’s xG stats indicated that the team deserved to be at least one goal up by the interval. Among certain footballing pundits the use of long passes and set pieces is often derided. Nevertheless, they can be deadly effective.
The quality of delivery of Everton’s corners caused constant problems for the Gunners' defence and eventually led to the winning goal. Instead of the jittery routine of trying to play out from the back which inevitably ended with losing possession, Pickford’s targeted long kicks immediately put Arsenal on the back foot.
The partnership of new fan’s favourite Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure brought a welcome dimension of energy and authority to the midfield whilst deploying Idrissa Gueye in his preferred deeper position added vital cover for the defence.
Seamus Coleman made a colossal contribution which completely nullified the threat of the highly rated Gabriel Martinelli who was withdrawn, totally bewildered, after 60 minutes.
There have been far too many managerial false dawns at Goodison in recent seasons. Understandably fans want to see more displays like this to be convinced that Sean Dyche is the right man. Nonetheless, initial signs are positive.
The players look fitter, more determined and are playing to a system which enhances their strengths. Goodison was back to its most venomous and intimidating best .
The sight of the new boss prowling the touchline, barking out instructions, was uplifting to behold. It might not be pretty. It might not be the expansive free flowing football that Frank Lampard thought his Everton should play.
However, if Everton want to remain in this division, then keeping clean sheets and grinding out 1-0 wins will be the key to survival. There is no doubt that the ex-Burnley boss has his critics in the media, but the early impressions are that Dycheball might just be the answer to Evertonian prayers!
Ben Crawford - In typical Sean Dyche fashion
What a start for new Everton manager Sean Dyche. The visit of league leaders Arsenal was a terrifying prospect going into this game but a solid, hardworking and all-round sharper looking Everton performance has hopefully given the Blues the springboard they need for the rest of the season.
We are not out of the woods yet by any means but the victory has at least offered some hope that all is not lost . In typical Sean Dyche fashion, the performance of his first eleven was gritty and determined as the Toffees simply battled the Gunners off the park.
A goal straight out of Burnley with Dyche's former players providing the magic on the day was also a special note. An additional mention to the much-maligned Dwight McNeil who after a tough start at L4 may now be ready to show us why we paid £20million for him in the summer. A good start but only that, let’s keep it going.
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- Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite breaks silence amid Liverpool transfer links
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