Sean Dyche tells the ‘next step’ Everton must take after 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat
The Sean Dyche era started with hope and optimism when Everton secured a convincing 1-0 win at Goodison Park against league leaders Arsenal. Dyche’s second game was another big test as Everton took on arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
The Toffees succumbed to a 2-0 defeat as Dyche was handed his first loss as Everton boss. Mohammed Salah and Cody Gakpo scored for the Reds as Everton were not fully equipped to take on the Reds. They were without their main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has been struggling with a tight hamstring since the Arsenal game.
Salah’s opening goal was due to Jordan Pickford’s misjudgment that allowed the Egyptian to strike the ball in an empty net. LFC were defending a corner and in a flash defence changed to attack as they broke on the counter, managing to get a goal in the 36th minute after which the momentum tilted towards Liverpool’s side.
Liverpool’s second goal was also scored in a similar fashion as Everton lost the ball in the opposition half and the hosts broke on counter. Trent Alexander-Arnold threaded a low cross from the right and Gakpo tapped it home to double their advantage.
Sean Dyche tells what Everton must do next
The loss has left Everton in 18th position with 18 points, one point adrift of safety. Their next game is against Leeds United who are struggling and are direct relegation rivals with Everton. Leeds sit 17th with 19 points so the next game at Goodison Park is a relegation six pointer and Dyche has already said what the next step is for Everton.
"There is more to come, I’m sure of that but we have got to play as well. The next step is to play and be brave with the ball. We have given a lot of information to the players and it is a lot for them to take in. There is work to be done. Last week we beat Arsenal and I wasn’t jumping for joy.No lack of effort or work ethic, it’s still tough coming here but they [Liverpool] are a great side. The home crowd were amazing [at Goodison Park] and we need our fans to do that for us away from home. We want bravery at home and away from home from our fans and their energy. The margins were tight. (via The Express)"
Home advantage and the fan atmosphere will be a crucial factor in Everton’s relegation battle. The Toffees need to be braver while going forward, especially at Goodison in front of rapturous fans.
Next. Dyche points out at £25m player error allowed Liverpool to secure 2-0 win. dark
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