Everton have been in a slow decline over the last few years and have faced a battle to stay in the Premier League. Last season, Sean Dyche turned the Toffees into a side who were difficult to beat, in spells, but inconsistency meant they were unable to truly progress.
By Matt Smith
This season has been a tricky one for the Merseyside outfit as they currently sit in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone. Despite picking up points with some impressive results along the way, the performances of Sean Dyche’s side have left a lot to be desired.
Everton’s direct style of play yielded results last campaign, and despite changing little in terms of how they look to turn defence into attack, they’re no longer a side who are creating chances and remaining tight at the back. The Toffees have scored just one goal per game so far, ranking them 15th in the league, while also creating just 11.1 xG – only three sides have produced a lower total.
The Toffees could get away with struggling to create chances last term as Dyche’s men were difficult to break down and conceding minimal opportunities per game. This term, however, has seen their defensive solidity decrease. Everton have conceded 1.7 goals per game and 15.3 xG in total.
Jordan Pickford has been a saviour for the Toffees in recent years, but he’s seen his level drop off this season. The England international has prevented -2.2 goals, ranking him 17th among Premier League goalkeepers, while only saving 59.5% of shots (18th). Comparing that to last season where Pickford saved 70.3% of attempts, it’s clear that this will have had an impact on Everton’s results.
Everton average just 37.5% possession per game, the lowest in the league, which will come as no surprise to those who have watched a typical Dyche side. Possession means very little as long as you’re getting the ball into the right areas regularly, but Everton have managed just 219 touches in the opposition box, ranking them 17th for this metric in the league.
Iliman Ndiaye has been a refreshing addition to Everton’s attack, but it’s clear to see that teams are starting to discover his effectiveness and are beginning to put plans in place to nullify him. Although predominantly a number 10, Ndiaye has been deployed on the left-hand side of attack since his arrival, limiting his freedom.
Ndiaye’s defensive work-rate is a clear reason as to why Dyche has opted to utilise him on the left rather than centrally. His defensive stats are impressive for an attacking player, but if Dyche wants to add more goals and creativity in the final third, he needs to find a way to get the best out of him. The Senegalese international has still been a bright spark, but you get the feeling there is more to come if Dyche can take the shackles off the 24-year-old.
Everton’s possession stats have significantly dropped this season, and it’s no coincidence that their chance creation has taken a hit. Although, as mentioned previously, having the majority of the ball isn’t all that important, Dyche needs to find a way of maximising Everton’s output when they do have possession.
The Toffees have completed more accurate long balls than any other side in the Premier League, and as good as Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in the air, it’s difficult for him to retain possession on every occasion. Everton’s deep defensive line means it’s tricky for the midfielders to get in and around the towering striker, leaving him isolated and outnumbered as he tries to look after the ball.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s lack of fitness has meant Everton are forced to sit slightly deeper than they usually would. The English centre-back has bundles of pace, which allowed the Toffees to play a higher line last season. With Dyche opting for a centre-back pairing of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski predominantly this term, Everton are unable to leave too many gaps in behind.
The Merseyside outfit have a worrying set of fixtures ahead of them before the end of the year – starting with a crucial game at West Ham today – and they face a real danger of slipping down the table if performances don’t start to improve. The reintroduction of Branthwaite could not only help them defensively due to his ability at the back, but also improve how they setup, leading to getting more bodies into advanced areas.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Everton with enough talent throughout the squad to see results and performances improve, but Dyche and his team are going to have to start getting the best out of their attacking stars. Bringing Branthwaite back into the fold would provide a major boost, but Dyche has kept his trust in Keane and Tarkowski in recent weeks, which he may end up regretting.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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