Everton boss Sean Dyche has been handed his first loss at Goodison Park as Aston Villa walked out with a 2-0 victory over the Toffees. For the most part of the game, Everton were the better side, doing most things right except finishing in the final third.
Everton came into the game searching for their third successive win at Goodison Park after managing to 1-0 wins against Arsenal and Leeds United at home. Two wins in the last three games had seen EFC jump out of the drop zone and carrying positive momentum against Unai Emery’s side that had lost the last three games.
Everton started in solid fashion as Dwight McNeil wreaked havoc on the left flank. He and Vitaliy Mykolenko combined exceptionally well to create chances from the left side, whipping crosses in the box.
Sean Dyche not pleased with Everton conceding soft goals
Dyche started Neal Maupay up top as Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ruled out of the tie. The Englishman continues his recovery from a hamstring issue but his absence is hurting Everton badly. Maupay failed to get on top of the crosses or provide any substantial threat up front. He had couple of clear cut chances where he could have slotted the ball home but the Frenchman couldn’t find the back of the net.
The 2-0 loss has pushed Everton back into the drop zone as they sit 18th in the league table and are the lowest goalscorers in the league with just 17 goals. It is clearly evident that the Toffees are lacking in the final third and the absence of a reliable striker is hurting the Toffees. Manager Dyche spoke after the game and highlighted that Everton conceded two soft goals, while also pointing out what Everton have been missing.
"A lot of the performance was right and correct. We asked many questions and didn’t find a killer moment. It’s been missing all season. We’ve got to find that.It’s a funny thing. You need the bravery to miss. You have to go in with conviction to score and not worry if you miss. We’re close to that but that comes when you’re scoring and winning games. We have to keep clean sheets. There was not a lot of difference to the Leeds game.Two soft goals. I’m not pleased with that. (via BBC)"
It is imperative that the Merseysiders will need a lethal forward who takes chances and is brave. Calvert-Lewin’s return is highly anticipated because his presence can do the trick for Everton.
Will Sean Dyche guide Everton to safety?