Everton’s 1-0 win over Leeds United was their fifth of the Premier League campaign and second of the Sean Dyche era. Since Dyche took over, Everton have now kept two clean sheets out of three games and Jordan Pickford is a happy man because of that.
Dyche took over a disjointed Everton side that were battling relegation as chances of surviving the relegation scrap looked bleak based on the previous performances. The former Burnley man came and took charge in dire conditions but has managed to pull off a miracle as Everton have won two of their last three games.
The Toffees are out of the drop zone for now as they sit 16th in the table with 21 points in 23 games. Dyche came in with a reputation of being pragmatic and lining up his troops to defend tightly. He was never your expansive, attack minded coach but his brand of football has delivered and closed the loopholes in the Everton side.
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford reveals Sean Dyche’s training emphasis
Under Frank Lampard, the Merseysiders lacked midfield solidity and the defence was getting porous. Everton had conceded 28 goals in 20 games under Lampard as the backline wasn’t commanding enough.
Prior to Dyche’s arrival, goalkeeper Pickford had kept just three clean sheets in 20 games. Now, the Englishman has managed to keep two clean sheets in last three Premier League fixtures as focus remains on making the defence as sturdy and impenetrable as possible.
After the 1-0 win over Leeds United, shot stopper Pickford spoke to the club and revealed what Dyche has done in training that is helping the team to remain defensively solid.
"It’s been a refresh. Back to basics, in some respects, and it’s important we’re defending our goal well and being hard to beat. We need to keep building our form now. We’ve been working extremely hard on the training pitch and that will continue because we want more. Aston Villa are a good side, but we’ll put the work in and we’ll be ready for the challenge. (via club’s official website)"
The 28 year old also spoke about the role that wingers have in the system while commenting on the 1-0 win over Leeds United. Pickford and Everton will next face Aston Villa at Goodison Park as they look for their third win under Dyche.
"It’s always good to get a win. It was a pretty quiet day for me today, but I’m pleased with the clean sheet. I think everyone’s working hard to get a game after the refresh of the new manager. He’s big on keeping clean sheets and being hard to break down.The wingers have to defend and help the full-backs, and the defenders have to be strong, too. When Goodison’s rocking, it’s a special place to be. Of course, we’d rather have got that second goal to ease the pressure and see the game out, but, yes, 1-0 and a clean sheet. It’s a great result."
Will Jordan Pickford keep another clean sheet against Villa?