Everton had more shots in the first half of the match with Brentford than in the opening 45 minutes of any other game this season.
The Blues took the lead through Dwight McNeil’s superb strike after just 35 seconds. They had a further eight efforts before the break.
The statistic is just one strand of evidence that showcases the increased attacking threat shown since the appointment of Sean Dyche. And while improvement is still needed - the failure to convert any of those further chances led to a nervy second half - Dyche is pleased with what he is seeing.
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Everton have struggled for goals all season and are still far from ruthless in the final third. But improvements have been clear since Dyche’s arrival on Merseyside, with the side now registering more shots and more touches in and around the opposition box. Everton have recorded an xG (expected goals) of below 1.5 just once in his seven games in charge and scored twice in the draw at Nottingham Forest. Converting the chances that are being created is the challenge ahead and the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin from injury could boost those efforts.
Dyche is aware of the progress and keen to build on it. He told the club’s media channel: “The pleasing thing over the last number of games is that we’ve been more effective. We’re going into the box with more of an edge to score a goal. We didn’t score again after the first [against Brentford], of course, but we’re creating more. We’re asking more questions of the opposition and I think that’s pleasing.”
Everton have earned 10 points from the last seven games and, with Wolves, are in the best form of the bottom nine since his appointment, though the club remains just a point above the bottom three.
Dyche continued: “We’re a work in progress; the league table says that. We’re constantly working on improvements. I think there have been improvements in the attacking side of the game, and the ways we can operate to be more effective.”
Assessing the situation after the 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, he added: "I said to the players that we have to continue to take responsibility... That involves taking chances as well. I want the freedom for them to take them, but when they’re there, you’ve got to take them.
“The mentality was good, and it was strong. It’s just another step, that’s all it is. It’s an enjoyable step but it’s just another step. There’s plenty of steps that we’ve got to continue taking. I said it after the Arsenal game [1-0 victory at Goodison] and I’m saying it now.”
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