Dyche's Programme Notes For Chelsea Visit

This week, with the official confirmation The Friedkin Group have completed the takeover of the Club, marks a new chapter in Everton’s history. The new ownership group have outlined their commitment to guiding Everton into a brighter future, and I know everyone at Goodison Park today will join me in welcoming them to what is a very special football club.

We return to home soil on the back of a hard-fought point at Arsenal last weekend and a chance to build on what feels like a positive moment for us.

A lot has been spoken and written about our schedule over the festive period, which, of course, is tough with the number of teams we are due to play who are currently occupying the positions at the very top of the table.

But, as I’ve always said, ultimately, every team has to play each other twice. The fixture list is the reality we face and that’s what we will do – one game at a time.

Last Saturday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium undoubtedly breeds confidence in terms of the quality we have and our ability to compete with anybody when we get things right.

The aim now is to combine elements of our past two games – a very good 4-0 win over Wolves last time out here at Goodison and that goalless draw against Arsenal – and strike the ideal balance we’re searching for.

There’s no question, after a disappointing start, we have regained the solid nature from a defensive point of view, which is the job of the whole team, not just the goalkeeper and defenders, and six clean sheets from our past nine games illustrates that.

Now we want to continue that work while being more clinical in our attacking play. We want to create more chances in every possible way and when those moments come along, show the ruthlessness that is required to get on the right side of what are very often fine margins that decide games in the Premier League.

I was very proud of the players’ efforts at Arsenal, which, as their unbeaten home record so far this season tells you, is no easy place to go. The tactical side of things and the commitment to the performance was terrific.

We’ve got a group of highly-motivated players who are willing to do the hard yards, bring that teamship to the fore and work hard for each other, the fans, the badge – that’s a very good base to be working from. That fabric of what we’ve built here is strong and it must continue as we look to make further improvements.

Today we welcome Enzo Maresca, his players, staff and everyone connected to Chelsea.

Clearly, Enzo has done a very good job in quickly implementing his ideas on a squad that has been hugely invested in and has enormous amounts of quality depth to it.

But it doesn’t change the task in front of us in any way. The challenge is a big one but, as we have shown on many occasions during our time together as a group, we will face it head on as we look to continue the feelgood factor that is starting to gather momentum.

The message from me to the players is to continue to show those things that can light the touch paper and spark that unique Goodison atmosphere – be aggressive in the right ways, be brave, be together and show quality.

Finally, I’d like to mention our visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in the week. As you will know, it’s a Club tradition to pay a visit to the patients, their families and staff at this time of year – and Wednesday’s was as humbling and heartwarming as ever. The authenticity of the Club’s work in the community is superb. Myself and the players were proud to be able to put some smiles on faces at what can be a very difficult time of year for some families.

As this is our last fixture before Christmas, I’d also like to wish you a very happy time with your family and loved ones over the coming days, and again thank you for your incredible and magnificent support.

Enjoy the game.

Sean