Dyche Details Next Step For Everton Progression

Sean Dyche admits he is pleased Everton have been able to correct their slow start to the season from a defensive standpoint but insists showing a more clinical attacking edge is now the next primary target for his players and staff.  

The Blues have secured clean sheets in seven of their past 10 league matches, ranking amongst Europe’s best in this area as a result. Their three most recent shutouts have helped the Toffees grab five points from a tough run against Wolves, Arsenal and then Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. 

While pleased to have seen a notable shift in his side’s defensive efficiency across recent months, Dyche reiterated the next aim is combining that robustness with more fluid attacking performances at the other end which can help turn hard-fought draws into crucial victories. 

“We’ve certainly corrected the defensive side of things, I think that is obvious, from early in the season,” said Dyche in Monday’s press conference previewing the Boxing Day trip to Manchester City. “Finding that balance to go and attack with more of a clinical nature is the next step.

“It sounds easy – it’s not easy. But that’s what we’re looking to do because the defensive side has been very good for the last number of games. You know, seven clean sheets in 10.”

Everton’s attacking options have been bolstered in recent weeks with Youssef Chermiti and summer loan signing Armando Broja returning to full fitness after long-term injuries which saw them both unavailable for the opening four months of this Premier League campaign. 

“Scoring goals in the Premier League isn’t an easy task, everyone knows that,” said Dyche. “But we’ve got four different options, four players of different types and we are hoping to use them wisely. 

“It’s only just coming together, but we want that in-house competitive element and we want people who are desperate to play. I think when the noise is we aren't scoring goals, then that should be gold to a striker who is thinking, ‘I want to be the one who makes the difference’.

“Strikers have that edge about them – well they should have. Where they have that glory and they want to be the next person to make a difference. We have four vying for one shirt at the moment because we have used three in midfield more often. That has to be a good competitive motivator.”

Thursday's trip to Manchester City will be Everton’s first on the road since the Club were officially taken over by The Friedkin Group.

While a daunting task, irrespective of City’s faltering form at present, Dyche believes the Blues make the short trip with a more harmonious feeling around the Club following last week’s acquisition, believing a brighter positive mood could be felt heading into Sunday’s battling 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Goodison Park. 

“There was a good atmosphere yesterday before the game started – that feeling around the stadium,” Dyche explained. “You can’t quite always put your finger on it, but you know what I mean. When nobody knows what is going on, everyone is uncertain and people don’t like that. 

“But there’s some certainty – I think The Friedkin Group has given that certainty and stability. Because it has been an unstable situation, I think that word [stability] is one all Evertonians want to hear. But it’s just a start point, obviously there’s more to come.

“Yet as a start point, it brings a bit of calmness, kills a story off and hopefully gives a more positive feeling about the Club at large. Now it is our job on the pitch to keep continuing giving that positive feel.”